Modern Infill

J. Michael Ruane Judicial Center // 2011

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In 2005, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced plans to build a new court complex on Federal Street in Salem to replace the aging 19th century courthouses. A site adjacent to the 1909 Registry of Deeds and Probate Court was selected, but with one issue, a Federal-period historic Baptist Church was already on the site. The church was purchased from the congregation and moved down Federal street, and construction began on the new contemporary judicial center. Designed by Goody/Clancy Architects, the building takes design cues from the historic courthouses on the street, with a modern interpretation of the Classical architecture and Corinthian columns found nearby. Opened in 2011, the complex was named after late state representative, J. Michael Ruane, and incorporated the former 1805 Baptist Church as the new Essex Law Library.

424 Massachusetts Avenue // 2002

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Modern architecture can often compliment and blend into the context of historic neighborhoods, and this example in Boston’s South End neighborhood is one of the best examples locally. In 2002, developers eyed a long-vacant lot on the busy Mass. Ave corridor through the South End and began designs of a contextual addition to the streetscape. Dolezal Architecture was tasked with designing a modern residential building that would comply with local historic district regulations, a balance that can be difficult to accomplish. Employing traditional masonry, solid-to-void ratios, massing, and bays, but in a modern context, the building blends in with its surroundings yet is architecturally interesting. The building contains ten condos in a single building which reads more like two distinct structures.