ICON Architecture

Creating 62 new affordable homes in the first new building constructed as part of the larger redevelopment on the former Holtzer Electric Factory site, Holtzer Park was approved through the City of Boston’s Article 80 process, with input through extensive community and agency stakeholder meetings. The design integrates this underutilized TOD land back into the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. When complete, the site will include up to 350 new homes, with open spaces distributed across the site. The proposed multimodal linear park will link Holtzer Park to the Southwest Corridor Park and the city beyond.  

The Amory Street corner tower marks the entrance to the site at the new street, while the heart of the new 100% affordable residential community is near the main entrance, facing onto the proposed central park. Reminiscent of the nearby scale and proportions of a traditional triple decker, the length of the building is broken into an array of volumes stepping down the sloped street. Drawing from the vibrant neighborhood context of Victorian homes, bold accent color enlivens the façade.  

The main level of the building features a 1,000 square foot community room, with kitchenette and restrooms, as well as nearby management suite and maintenance storage and offices. A seating nook by the front lobby provides a spot for residents to meet a neighbor or wait for a friend. Bike storage and a sunny laundry room round out the resident common spaces. Residents and neighbors enjoy the secure play area, designed to facilitate creative play, comprised of simple volumes and soft surface materials in bright colors.