TYPE: Office to Residential Conversion Project
LOCATION: Boston, MA
STATUS: Complete
LOCATION: Boston, MA
STATUS: Complete
281 Franklin Street stands as Boston’s first completed project under the BPDA's Office-to-Residential Conversion Pilot Program, setting a precedent for adaptive reuse and sustainable urban redevelopment. Balance Architects transformed this six-story historic structure from outdated office space into 15 thoughtfully designed residential units, re-imagining how Boston’s existing building stock can meet modern housing needs.
Floors 2 through 6 were converted into compact, efficient apartments that celebrate the building’s original heavy timber framing, exposed beams, and generous window openings. The design embraces the historic character of the structure while introducing modern materials, lighting, and finishes for a warm, contemporary living environment. All units were designed to meet Group 1 or Group 2 accessibility standards, exceeding code requirements.
Located on a tight downtown site, 281 Franklin Street required creative solutions to balance code compliance with preservation. Balance Architects secured key building code variances that allowed for the continued use of the existing historic fire escape as a compliant second means of egress—preserving the exterior aesthetic while ensuring occupant safety. The project also implemented high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, demonstrating that even landmark buildings can achieve modern performance standards. Supported by historic tax credits, the result is a model for future office-to-residential conversions in Boston—proof that adaptive reuse can deliver beauty, efficiency, and housing within the city’s historic fabric.
Photography by Michael Mucciaccio
Floors 2 through 6 were converted into compact, efficient apartments that celebrate the building’s original heavy timber framing, exposed beams, and generous window openings. The design embraces the historic character of the structure while introducing modern materials, lighting, and finishes for a warm, contemporary living environment. All units were designed to meet Group 1 or Group 2 accessibility standards, exceeding code requirements.
Located on a tight downtown site, 281 Franklin Street required creative solutions to balance code compliance with preservation. Balance Architects secured key building code variances that allowed for the continued use of the existing historic fire escape as a compliant second means of egress—preserving the exterior aesthetic while ensuring occupant safety. The project also implemented high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, demonstrating that even landmark buildings can achieve modern performance standards. Supported by historic tax credits, the result is a model for future office-to-residential conversions in Boston—proof that adaptive reuse can deliver beauty, efficiency, and housing within the city’s historic fabric.
Photography by Michael Mucciaccio
