Project

Down by the Banks of the River Charles

An historic opportunity to design a state-of-the-art barracks building for the Massachusetts State Police

Lower Basin Barracks

Massachusetts State Police + DCAMM
Boston, Massachusetts

Finegold Alexander, in conjunction with STV as Public Safety Specialist, designed the modernization, renovation and addition to the historic Lower Basin Barracks for the Massachusetts State Police. The project involves the adaptive reuse of the former Charles River Lower Locks Building to provide space for the consolidation of State Police Troops and for current and projected mission requirements. The goal was to develop a public facility that appropriately balances functionality and visual appeal. This facility is on the National Register of Historic Places and is prominently located in the Lower Charles River Basin. The design involves the State Police, the Division of Conservation and Recreation, and incorporates extensive public outreach.

(Photo credit: Raj Das Photography)

Size
19,618 SF
Scope
Renovation, Addition, Adaptive Reuse
Program
Public Areas, Station Briefing Rooms, Station Command Office, Staff Areas, Detention Areas, and Garage
Sustainability
LEED Gold
Awards
Gold, Law Enforcement Facilities III, Officer Station Design Awards
2024 Preservation Massachusetts, Paul and Niki Tsongas Award
2024 Boston Preservation Alliance, Preservation Achievement Award
In the news
Project EUI
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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.
Ellen Anselone, Finegold Alexander, Principal
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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.

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