3025 Washington Street
Owner: A Partnership of Boston Neighborhood Network and Urban Edge
Developer: Urban Edge
Architect: Scott Payette Architects
Construction Managers: AJ Martini Inc.
Preservation Consultants: Tremont Preservation Services LLC, Building Conservation Associates Inc.
Construction Owner’s Representative: CS2C/NE

Built in 1909 by the Boston Elevated Railway Company (predecessor to the MBTA), the substation in Egleston Square was used to convert power for the elevated Orange Line until the line was relocated in 1986.  After sitting vacant and deteriorating for nearly two decades, local nonprofit developer Urban Edge purchased the building in 2005. Working in partnership with Boston Neighborhood News, Urban Edge transformed the neglected building into a neighborhood resource.  Originally a large, single-story, 45-foot tall room, the substation now contains offices, educational spaces, production facilities and media studios on two floors, providing the consolidated BNN studios with 10,000 square feet of space.  Project financing was provided by generous public support from the City of Boston and the use of State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation and New Markets Tax Credits. The project was redeveloped using sustainable designed and construction practices and is slated for LEED certification by the US Green Building Council.

“The synergy of green building practices and historic preservation coupled with community revitalization efforts make this a highly significant project for the Egleston Square neighborhood and the city of Boston,” said Sarah D. Kelly, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. 

Courtesy of John Horner Photography