With excitement, we shared a story yesterday about a project planned for the 2000 block of N. 2nd St. that will involve some new construction and the residential conversion of a ten story industrial building. In general, we’re always glad to hear about adaptive reuse projects, and this was no exception. You have to agree, this building, which has been occupied by a wicker manufacturer for a number of years, has fantastic bones, and it would be a real shame to see it torn down.

As excited as we were about the project from a conceptual standpoint, we hadn’t seen any drawings of the proposal so didn’t really have a clear idea of what was getting us so excited. So we asked if anyone had seen any renderings, and whether they might be able to pass ’em along. One such person was willing to share the drawings, and they also indicated that the project was continued at the ZBA because the community wanted some more information on the proposal. So these drawings are perhaps subject to change, but they will probably give you a good idea of what could eventually happen here.

You can see, the developers are planning to renovate the existing building and build a pair of apartment buildings, with a larger building to the south and a smaller one to the north. The new buildings will rise four stories, with parking on the first floor and apartments above. Assuming the materials remain as they’re shown in the drawings, the new buildings will have brick facades and the windows will pay tribute to the renovated industrial building. They look pretty understated, which makes sense with the great old building between them. Not only will the project have a bunch of planters along 2nd Street, but you can see from the overhead views that all the buildings will have green roof features. It looks like the taller building will even have an actual garden space for residents.

As we told you previously, this project will entail 130 apartments and 77 parking spaces and will represent the most significant market rate project to date in Norris Square. We hope that the community will come around on the project, as it would infuse a whole new energy to the surrounding area. As the project would also entail the preservation and reuse of a sweet old building, we see it as a win win situation. We don’t live there though, so most of the neighbors will probably have to see it in the same way if it’s gonna get approved by the ZBA.