Winter 2000

Project Update

Faux finishes create the nautical appearance aboard the New England Aquarium’s Discovery Theater.

Take a journey to the bottom of the sea aboard the interactive Discovery Theater. The Lee Kennedy crew developed its "sea legs" while completing this interior fit-up on board the floating vessel Discovery, which is moored to the piers at the New England Aquarium. Curved drywall partitions, lined with rigid fiber insulation to contain all sound within the theater, are covered with faux finishes, including perforated steel panels, to create the impression of a navy vessel. Plus, the installation of a galvanized steel ramp and steel handrails complete the nautical appearance of this marine theater, designed by McManus Peterman.

Southern Exposure

The salsa isn't the only thing that's hot and spicy at Austin Grill. The recently completed interior of this Tex-Mex restaurant sizzles as well! Fiber optic lighting, stained concrete, blue stone floors and custom metal work, including copper ornamentation on the bar and ceiling, create the restaurant's zesty atmosphere. Design Collective Inc., was the architect for this south-of-the-border dining experience, located in Cambridge's Central Square.

In Fashion

The recent renovation of the Boylston Street Talbots required the same elegance and grace as the store's clothing line in order for Lee Kennedy Company to complete the 13-week, fast-track project while the store remained fully occupied and open for business. This retail fit up, with architects Bergmeyer Associates, consisted of the complete gut of the existing Talbots location, as well as an additional neighboring retail space, and the renovation of both spaces to create one 15,000 s/f store–the largest single Talbots in the country. This project, located in Boston's fashionable Back Bay, included the covering of a structural steel staircase with hardwood to create a stylish grand staircase, indigenous to the neighborhood's affluent residences.

Tennis Anyone?

Harvard University knows that great athletes deserve great facilities. That's why Lee Kennedy Company has recently completed two new athletic complexes for Harvard University designed by D'Agostino Izzo Quirk.

The Beren Tennis Center was constructed in two phases. Phase I, completed in August of 1998, required filling the site with 52,000 cubic yards of surcharge material, necessary for the Tennis Center's foundation. Phase II entailed the construction of the facility and started in May of 1999, allowing ample time for the surcharge to settle. Phase II included the removal of excess surcharge and the creation of Jordan Field, an all-purpose turf field measuring 300 by 500 feet, as well as the construction of 20 outdoor tennis courts with spectator seating, and a pavilion building complete with showers, locker rooms, an information area, and a private function room.

The new Murr Center, located next to Soldiers Field, is a 95,000 square-foot sports facility containing a weight room, six indoor tennis courts and sixteen squash courts complete with viewing galleries and an 860-seat grand stand. Also housed in the Murr Center are offices and conference rooms for the University's Athletics Department, and the relocated Varsity Club.

Lab Work

Lee Kennedy Company has recently completed renovations to the New England Regional Primate Research Center for the Harvard University Medical School. This level-3 laboratory renovation, performed while the lab was occupied, required utilizing extreme safety measures due to the lab's sensitive contents. The renovations consisted of installing new lab equipment and operating rooms, completing new epoxy floors and walls, and constructing a 2,500 square-foot addition. Construction of the addition, designed by Trapani Associates, Inc., included excavation, utilities set in the new slab on grade, and masonry and stucco finishings to match the existing building's façade.

Space Age

Virtually every company in today's booming economy battles with the dilemma of how to most efficiently use their current office space. In the case of Mass Financial Services, the company has hired Lee Kennedy Co., in conjunction with architects Jung/Brannen Associates, Inc., to assist with their ongoing office space reconfiguration at the company's 500 Boylston Street location. Additionally, Lee Kennedy Company has recently completed a 135,000 square-foot build out for Mass Financial Services' offices in the Lafayette Corporate Center. Construction included new offices and conference rooms, as well as the installation of two new staircases and five lounges with kitchen utilities. The scope also consisted of the addition of a 7,000 square-foot computer room to support both the Lafayette Corporate Center and the 500 Boylston Street offices.

The second building is being demolished and replaced with a modern, single-level warehouse, distribution and truck-loading facility. The new structure will involve extensive site work and be built adjacent to the first building.