Mass Audubon,
Belmont, MA

Commercial, Historic Renovation

Beautifully bridging for Mass Audobon in Belmont

The Mass Audubon’s Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Belmont and the stately brick 1914 Georgian-style mansion is used as their Visitor Center. Curtis was hired to build a connector building between the library and the mansion.

Completion date – April 2006
Cost – $550,000
Developer – Massachusetts Audobon Society
Architect – Olson, Lewis & Dioli, Inc.

Case Study

Though not a large project from a cost perspective, the “Link” building on the Mass Audubon’ Society’s (MAS) Belmont Habitat Education Center grounds created some unique logistical challenges. The Visitor Center and Library are located in an historic building and were open during the construction of the “Link” Building. As it is a heavily visited area, MAS needed to allow access to the visitor center and library during construction, while keeping their visitors safe and the project on schedule.

Curtis worked with MAS to develop a plan of action to allow visitors to access both the visitor center and library through the original corridor. with a series of stairs leading down to the library. Now both areas have a universally accessible ramp leading into a bright and environmentally friendly program space.

Continued access and functionality while maintaining construction schedule, and long term applicability of the design solution. The MAS is a beautiful and functional facility that conforms to their intent to respect the environment while allowing visitors to learn about the natural habitat they occupy.