Melding architecture, interior design, extensive graphics and a completely reinvented brand identity, Dyer Brown — nationally recognized innovator in urban architecture and magnetic workplaces — has debuted their much-anticipated reimagining of the 88 Black Falcon building in Boston’s Seaport District, bringing to life the vision of developer The Davis Companies.
The massive 376,000-square-foot project transforms the 1920s-era three-story industrial structure into the booming Seaport’s most coveted address for maker companies and businesses who will prize the new image, creative graphics, ample amenities, lofty ceilings, tech-ready interiors, and sweeping harbor views.
There are additional details in the press release from The Davis Companies, below.
THE DAVIS COMPANIES UNVEILS A REDESIGN AND NEW ART PROGRAM FOR BLACK FALCON PIER
The Davis Companies creates a dynamic vision for its premier office/industrial building, Black Falcon Pier, embracing its waterfront, industrial identity and unveiling a unique art program entitled, “The Art of Making It.”
BOSTON (October 25, 2018)– The Davis Companies, a Boston-based real estate investment, development and management company, today unveiled the redesign of 88 Black Falcon Pier, along with the launch of an on-site interior and exterior art program celebrating the industrial and maritime roots of both the building and the Seaport District called, “The Art of Making It.” This program features 38 original, detailed photographs by renowned Massachusetts photographer, Alison Shaw, highlighting the fine art and craftsmanship of boatbuilding from local wooden boat shops across the state of Massachusetts. Shaw’s over-scaled, back-lit graphics on the building’s exterior can be seen from across Boston Harbor and thirty colorful images are arrayed throughout the interior of Black Falcon Pier.
The Davis Companies worked closely with Boston-based Dyer Brown Architects to rebrand and significantly makeover this 376,000-square-foot, three-story office and industrial complex which is located on the easternmost tip of the Seaport neighborhood, offering ocean frontage and dramatic water views from three sides of the building.
“With this bold, modern redesign and expansive new amenity spaces, we have converted the property into an appealing location for a diverse tenant base, including marine, industrial, high-tech, R&D and innovation firms seeking a one-of-a-kind urban waterfront environment,” stated Duncan Gilkey, Senior Vice President of Leasing and Asset Management at The Davis Companies. “The Dyer Brown team did an outstanding job in bringing our vision to life by transforming the 1920s-era industrial structure into an ideal destination for maker companies, such as the leading self-driving vehicle company, Optimus Ride, and image-oriented businesses like our newest tenant, the event planning firm, Conventures, that were attracted to the 14 to 20-foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, loft-like interiors and sweeping water views,” added Mr. Gilkey.
Building on the industrial history of the property, the entrance to the site is now marked by the “88” brand in dark, bronze metallic signage and by a series of striking oversized, backlit panels featuring the boat building images photographed by Alison Shaw. The multiple building lobbies now feature bronze metal and wood plank-lined walls with oversized graphics and bold colors that lead to a state-of-the art fitness center, newly envisioned café with new floor-to-ceiling windows, new solarium seating area with water views and industrial-chic light pendants and sconces. The design is enhanced by new custom furnishings made of natural wood and industrial pipe fittings. Additional interior improvements include bright, art-filled corridors, a colorful, convenient bike storage room, renovated restrooms with wall-size historic photos of dockworkers and new laser-cut signage and applied graphics throughout the common spaces.
“As designers, we align our vision with the contextual elements of every property we’re creating,” says Karen Bala, AIA, LEED AP, senior architect with Dyer Brown. “We wanted to radically differentiate the personality of Black Falcon Pier from the neighboring Innovation & Design Building by creating a moodier, richer feel with darker finishes.”
“The newly reinvented spaces have created the impactful and contemporary ambiance that companies want in today’s marketplace,” says Dyer Brown’s Deniz Ferendeci. “We’ve also transformed the corridors to be more appealing, with interesting elevator lobbies, branded tenant signage, and a rhythmic application of new lighting and memorable graphics.”
About The Davis Companies
The Davis Companies is an integrated real estate investment, development and management firm headquartered in Boston that has invested more than $4 billion in gross asset value through real estate equity, debt and fixed-income securities. A combination of capital markets, development and management expertise allows The Davis Companies to nimbly tackle complex opportunities. Directly, and with its valued partners, The Davis Companies currently owns a real estate portfolio of approximately 12 million square feet of office, multifamily, retail, hospitality, light industrial, healthcare and life science properties across the Eastern United States. For further information, visit www.thedaviscompanies.com.
About Dyer Brown
Recognized nationally for its award-winning portfolio of architecture and interior design projects, Dyer Brown Architects offers a fully integrated suite of professional services including high-level building owner and corporate advisory as well as 3D concept visualization. The firm’s clients range from property owner/developers and end-users to global corporations and leading regional brands in such market sectors as workplace, retail, hospitality and higher education. Known for its unwavering commitment to both design excellence and client service, Dyer Brown’s 50 professionals forge long-lasting relationships with business leaders, building owners and brokers, and institutional leaders. Dyer Brown believes that buildings and spaces — the backdrop to our daily, shared experience — should always be inspiring, useful and enjoyable. See the firm’s award-winning work and a detailed overview at dyerbrown.com.
About Alison Shaw
Alison is a Martha’s Vineyard-based photographer who began her career with the Vineyard Gazette where she was a four-time recipient of New England Press Association’s “Photographer of the Year” award. Alison has twenty published books to her name, she is regularly published in major magazines, she teaches photography workshops worldwide, and thousands of her fine art prints are in public and private collections. Clients hire Alison for her unique photographic vision – strong graphics, vivid colors, simple bold compositions, and a beautiful use of available light. She works hard to capture her subjects in ideal light, as well as getting access to areas that aren’t easily found, which brings unusual perspectives on her subjects. You can learn more about Alison’s work at alisonshaw.com.