Avalon at Lexington Hills

Lexington, MA

Avalon at Lexington Hills is a 23-acre master planned multifamily community located on the former Metropolitan State Hospital site. The hospital campus closed in 1992 and remained shuttered for 15 years. The $70M redevelopment is comprised of 387 luxury units, with one fourth of the apartments set aside as affordable housing. The 700,000 square foot project includes two historic buildings – the main hospital and a former theater – and ten new buildings, artfully combining adaptive reuse with new construction. The new structures are arranged formally about the existing buildings in a setting of lawns and green space; an arrangement inspired by the former hospital campus. This extensive open space system includes the preservation of a large courtyard and mature tree line as well as the creation of streetscapes, pocket parks, and neighborhoods within neighborhoods in place of the former institutional setting. The community’s ground floor units feature expansive patios on the courtyard level, while exterior-facing units have views of the surrounding 300 acres of conservation land.

The clubhouse, located in the rehabilitated theater building, serves as a one-of-a-kind focal point for the new community. The distinguished brick building has an impressive 2-story theater space with lofty arch-topped windows. The new design creates a second level at the front of the building, preserving more than one half of the existing theater volume with the introduction of a new bridge that spans over the first-floor reception, connecting back-of-house spaces. Resident amenity areas are located on the first level with direct access to outdoor spaces: function patio, pool, and open lawn for both active and passive resident activities. A new second floor balcony, overlooking the pool and the main entry porte cochere, signifies a new identity for the building, without obscuring the historic brick facades. Walking paths and exterior courtyards with picnic areas, playgrounds, and grilling stations complete the public gathering spaces.

  • SERVICE

    Architecture

    Master Planning

  • TYPE

    Historic Preservation | Restoration + Adaptive Reuse

    Multifamily

    New Construction

  • CLIENT
    AvalonBay Communities
  • SIZE
    700,000 sf
  • STATUS
    Completed in 2007
  • AWARDS

    PRISM Award | Best Rental Community – Gold
    Builders Association of Greater Boston

    Finalist for Best Clubhouse
    NAHB Pillars of the Industry