Boston University, Boston, MA
Recasting an iconic, high-visibility building as BU’s front door
Boston University’s first dedicated admissions center is the result of the adaptive reuse of an iconic International Style building constructed in 1953 for BU Hillel. This new facility was created through the comprehensive renovation of the unique flatiron-shape, four-level building, as well as an elegant, glass-enclosed addition on the north side that expands the building’s usable space.
The building forms the terminus of historic Bay State Road and has expansive views across the Charles River to Cambridge. By restoring the exterior, the Admissions Center will be renewed for the next 50 years as a prominent, highly visible symbol of Boston University.
Extensive site work includes a wonderful, new public plaza with river views, as well as reconfigured and expanded sidewalks to facilitate campus tours that serve more than 60,000 people each year.
As a transformative adaptive reuse of a neglected but unique mid-century building, this project demonstrates how our creative approach delivers added value.
