Washington-Beech Housing

Boston, MA
Key Elements
  • Site and roadway design, grading, and layout  
  • AUL contaminated site 
  • LEED Gold

The Washington-Beech Housing project involved redeveloping a low- and moderate-income housing development that was originally built in 1952. The property was redeveloped in two phases: the first phase added 100 new units to the property and created three new streets, while the second phase added another 105 units and four streets. Because the project is on an AUL Contaminated Site, we worked closely with the project team to address AUL concerns during the design and permitting process. 

In Phase I, Nitsch designed the site utilities, grading, and layout for the improvements, including four townhouses, a midrise building, two new public streets, and one private way. We also permitted the improvements and additions with the Boston Public Works Department (BPWD), Boston Transportation Department (BTD), Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), Boston Street Lighting Division, Boston Parks Department, and private utility companies. We developed the specifications and cost estimates for the project. Nitsch provided construction administration services; Phase I was completed in Fall 2011. 

For the Phase II improvements, Nitsch designed the site utilities, grading, and layout for the new units, as well as for the four new public streets. We permitted the improvements and additions with the BPWD, BTD, BWSC, Boston Street Lighting Division, Boston Parks Department, and private utility companies. We developed the specifications and cost estimates for the project. Nitsch also provided construction administration services for the Phase II improvements. Washington Beech earned LEED for Homes Gold and LEED-H Midrise Gold. 

Key Collaborators

Owner: Boston Housing Authority 
Architect/Client: ICON Architecture, Inc. 
Landscape Architect: Stantec 
Geotechnical Engineer:  McPhail Associates