The Foundry was born out of civic goals to preserve a pocket of a developing neighborhood for public use within a building that represents the area’s industrial heritage. The result - an 1890 steam pump factory?transformed into a cultural center offering makerspaces, dance and art studios, performance space, a food lab and flexible spaces for public programming.
The renovation harnessed the architectural history of the building’s original form and masonry shell and restored the atrium, providing visual and physical connection among the workshops and forming a central gathering space. New interior steel structure supplements and preserves the existing wood structure. A brass-clad addition complements the original brick and references the site’s metal foundry history.
The historic brick envelope was restored and augmented with high-performance windows and increased insulation. The building is now all-electric and adheres to the City’s goal of eliminating fossil fuels from daily operations. It now connects to its neighborhood through a shared street and a new linear park that provides shade, seating, bike storage, and exterior lighting after dark.
Bio Since 1962, CambridgeSeven has provided our clients with provocative yet sensitive designs by recognizing and acting upon the unique opportunities inherent in every project. CambridgeSeven has received dozens of awards, including the prestigious National AIA Firm Award, AIA Emerging Professional designation and Just. Certification and is internationally acclaimed for its innovative work in architecture, planning, exhibit and interior design.
