Chestnut Hill Realty installs archway to Baker School and Hoar Sanctuary

Brookline, MA An artistic sculpture that contributed to the serene surroundings within the Cancer Garden of Hope at Boston City Hall Plaza has been repurposed as a colorful archway leading to the Baker School and D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary. 

The sculpture is part of a redeveloped entrance to the K-8 elementary school, nature trails and adjacent town tennis courts from Hancock Village, an apartment community owned and managed by Chestnut Hill Realty. Dozens of children who live in the 1,300-unit Village use the walkway to and from school each day. 

The arch was donated to Chestnut Hill Realty from the Conquer Cancer Coalition, a charity that raises funds to assist organizations involved in cancer research and support to patients. The coalition was founded in memory of Michael Zuker, brother of Chestnut Hill Realty founder and CEO Ed Zuker, who passed away at age 53 from lung cancer.

A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 23, with Ed Zuker, members of the Zuker family, and town select board, parks & rec and commission for the arts dignitaries in attendance. 

The Coalition built the Cancer Garden of Hope as a calming, contemplative oasis for anyone affected by cancer. Opened in 2010, the garden required reconfiguration as part of City Hall Plaza’s renovation project in 2020, leaving no space for the large art installation.

Created by sculptor Jim DiSilvestro of Athol, the floral themed steel artwork was originally a monochrome installation at the Garden. Prior to placement in its new home atop two brick piers in the entranceway, the art was colorfully repainted as a cheerful, inspirational pathway to education, exploration and fitness beyond the arch.

The new entranceway, constructed by Chestnut Hill Realty, followed a complete renovation of the town tennis courts. The Town of Brookline and Chestnut Hill Realty worked in partnership on the tennis court project, with CHR funding half of the cost. The redesigned entrance features a seating area, lush landscaping and wide paths to allow parents and children to congregate before and after school.

Pictured with Ed Zuker, cutting the ribbon, and his daughter, Lauren Zuker Siff, are (from left) Matthew Zuker, Susan Zuker, Baker School Interim Principal Saaed Ola, Brookline Parks and Rec Open Space Division Director Alexandra Vecchio, Brookline Select Board Vice Chair John VanScoyac, Jonathan Zuker, Brookline Select Board Chair Bernard Green, Brookline Select Board member Paul Warren, Brookline Commission for the Arts co-chair Andy Dean, family member Chris Rodgers, Brookline Park Ranger Emma Palermo and Bobby Zuker.