THE CHALLENGE
CBI performed a complete study, design, and contract documents to provide accessibility to the senior/youth center at 165 Broadway in Somerville.
CBI’S SOLUTION
A former firehouse, the old hose-drying tower shaft was converted to house a new two-stop elevator. The space below the tower, in the basement, was used as the elevator pit. The lobby outside each landing was also modified to manage the flow of visitors, to achieve proper fire ratings, and to create privacy.
The new pit design interfered with the stairs to the basement. As a result, the bottom of the stairs required modification. Therefore, much of the basement mechanical and electrical services required relocation.
CBI also designed waterproofing and masonry repairs on the exterior of the tower to address deteriorated areas causing leaks into the tower.
