Finegold Alexander Architects completes 15,000 s/f Lower Basin Barracks for MA State Police

Boston, MA Finegold Alexander Architects has completed the Lower Basin Barracks. Formerly the historic Charles River Lower Locks gate house, the 15,000 s/f renovation and addition project will house the previously consolidated State Police-Boston and State Police-Brighton Barracks and provides space for current and projected mission requirements. The project team worked closely with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, Massachusetts State Police, the Division of Conservation and Recreation, and involved extensive public outreach. The design focused on creating a public facility that appropriately balances functionality and visual appeal.

Located in the Lower Charles River Basin, this facility is on the National Register of Historic Places and will serve as an important, and the only, state police facility for the city. The renovation of the existing historic building included a new insulated roof, façade restoration, new energy efficient and secure glazing, and a complete gut renovation of the interiors, including an expansive detention area, office spaces, fitness area and locker room. The new addition includes a new public lobby set against the backdrop of the original historic façade with access to public toilet facilities and a multi-purpose community room. The community room will serve as a shared space, providing a broad range of services to support the community and its quality of life. Improving and expanding upon the greenery is the focus of the design, as the historic greenery of the site has been lost throughout its past uses. The implementation of the green space will be complete this summer.

As historic preservation experts, Finegold Alexander was excited to tackle this historic project to breathe new life into this space. “We aimed to engage the community and the Massachusetts State Police through the design, to recreate a space that was effective and updated while respecting the historic identity of the building,” said Finegold Alexander principal Ellen Anselone.

Finegold Alexander has a vast portfolio of civic projects across the greater New England region, including the Lowell Justice Center, Fall River Justice Center in Fall River, the Massachusetts State House – Executive Offices of the Governor in Boston, and the Boston City Hall Council Chambers. The Massachusetts State Police selected Finegold Alexander to lead this project as the firm’s expertise will help the Lower Basin Barracks serve and provide for the community.