Owner/Developer: Sea-Dar Construction
Architect: Grassi Design Group, Guy Grassi, Principal & Hacin & Associates, Aaron Weinert, Principal
General Contractor: Sea-Dar Construction
Landscape Architect: William F. Fleming Landscape Architects

Six Arlington Street/Zero Marlborough Street is a twelve-story, purpose-built apartment block designed by Strickland and Blodget, and located on the northwest corner of Arlington and Marlborough Streets.  Built in 1929 in the Art Moderne style, the bottom three floors were used by the Junior League of Boston and the upper eight floors were cooperative apartments.  Later, the building served as a dormitory for Katherine Gibbs students and more recently for Emerson College students.  One of a few buildings not built in the predominant style found in the Back Bay it serves as a gateway into the residential district and has a commanding view of the city.

Sea-Dar Construction and the Grassi Design Group have transformed the building from dormitory use into twelve residential condominiums and completed a total restoration of the existing structure.  It was carefully renovated under the guidance of the Back Bay Architectural Commission to help preserve its historic and architectural significance.  Exterior alterations include the removal of air conditioners, fire escapes, and exhaust duct; the replacement of the entrance door system; new custom lights; and the introduction of a new entrance marquee and rear balconies.  New energy efficient exterior doors, and windows in a more vertical 3 over 3 pattern, replaced the original 6 over 6 units, and new double glazed steel sash was installed at the penthouse level to replace the original steel sash. In addition, a large formal garden has been installed along the Marlborough Street façade.  The restoration of Six Arlington Street/Zero Marlborough Street is an outstanding example of residential renovation.

Photo courtesy of Rania Matar