Baker Chocolate Factory Complex

Dorchester, MA

The rehabilitation of three historic mills into 143 luxury rental apartments was completed in three phases and began the celebrated revival of the Lower Mills historic district. The design capitalizes on the spaces formed between the buildings and adjacent natural rock outcroppings to create residential entry courtyards which step sequentially down to the Neponset River. The firm later renovated the historic factory administration building into what is now known as the Walter Baker Chocolate Lofts, which includes 13 artist live/works lofts, gallery space, and meeting rooms arranged around a three-story central atrium.

  • SERVICE

    Architecture
  • TYPE

    Historic Preservation | Restoration + Adaptive Reuse

    Multifamily

    Senior Living
  • CLIENT
    Beacon Companies and WinnDevelopment
  • SIZE
    14-acres
  • STATUS
    Completed in 2010
  • AWARDS

    Preservation for Adaptive Use of Historic Industrial Space
    Boston Preservation Alliance

    Paul E. Tsongas Award
    Preservation Massachusetts

    National Historic Preservation Award
    Advisory Council for Historic Preservation & Development of the Interior

    Preservation Award
    Massachusetts Historical Commission