The Newbury of Brookline
Brookline, Mass.
BEST PROJECT
Presented by RAMSA (Robert AM Stern Architects)
Owner: Welltower, HYM Investment Group
Main design company: RAMSA (Robert AM Stern Architects)
General contractor: Dellbrook/JKS
Civil Engineer: Horsley Witten Group
Structural Engineer: LA Fuess Partners
MEP Engineer: BLW Engineers
Located on a former university campus, the 208,000 square meter development includes nearly 160 residences across three levels of care: independent living, assisted living and memory care, creating a continuum of support within a cohesive and connected community. Each level of care has different spatial, accessibility and operational requirements, ranging from enhanced security and intuitive orientation to bespoke dining and activity and support spaces. Strategic spatial planning ensures that each type of resident has dedicated spaces suited to their needs, while circulation routes and shared amenity areas encourage interaction and inclusion. Clear orientation and intentional connections between areas also facilitate mobility for residents, staff and visitors.
Photo by Francis Dzikowski/OTTO, courtesy of RAMSA
Located in the historic Fisher Hill neighborhood, where architectural character and residential scale are strongly protected, it was imperative to prioritize both functionality and visual harmony with the surrounding topography and 19th and 20th century homes. Newly constructed pavilions and green spaces on the nearly 4-hectare site complement the surrounding residential fabric, with the building’s roofs, columned porches, tabletops and bay windows echoing local traditions. A distributed height strategy, with the building rising from six stories to four and then three, also helps integrate the space into the neighborhood.
Photo by Francis Dzikowski/OTTO, courtesy of RAMSA
Mitton House, a 19th-century mansion that was once part of the university, now serves as residential and amenity space. Restored and carefully replicated millwork complement other custom finishes in amenity spaces such as the Harbor Bar, where intricate designs evoke the experience of being at the bow of a luxury yacht.
Photo by Francis Dzikowski/OTTO, courtesy of RAMSA
Unlike conventional seniors developments often isolated on the suburban outskirts, the development is deeply integrated into the walkable neighborhood. This unique environment allows residents to remain engaged in civic life while enjoying a sense of continuity with the wider community. Courtyards and outdoor gathering areas add additional opportunities for social connection and engagement with nature. The landscape design preserved abundant mature trees and added new bioswales and native plantings.
