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 The
first objective of this dynamic, 12-month construction project
was to construct new pedestrian and construction access ways
in order to facilitate the removal of the brick courtyard
that existed on the site. Once construction of the new, $22
million supermarket began, logistics were put to the ultimate
test. The footprint of the structure sits partially over the
existing Prudential Center parking garage but mainly over
the Massachusetts Turnpike. Two levels of parking were removed
in order to accommodate a new loading dock to be accessed
from Exeter Street.
Due to loading restrictions, steel erection
over the Mass Pike was impacted. Consequently, the crane was
set up within the new loading dock area and the two levels
directly beneath the crane were shored up to support the weight.
Once the foundation work was complete, pre-cast
concrete panels were erected along the perimeter of the building.
Because the site abuts three busy streets--Huntington Avenue,
Ring Road and Exeter Street--careful scheduling and strategic
planning were performed in order to perform this work over
a series of weekends as permitted by the city.
The completed, 50,000 s/f structure is unlike any other existing
Shaw's supermarket. The aesthetically pleasing store has a
façade featuring curtainwalls, pre-cast concrete panels,
granite, aluminum cornices, metal wall panels, canopies, awnings
and other visual elements. Plus, the exterior is accentuated
with a glass rotunda entry.
The roof of the new Shaw's serves, like
before, as a terrace for the adjacent Gloucester Building.
Residents are able to walk out from the second level of the
building onto a completely landscaped courtyard, consisting
of planting beds with trees, brick paved walkways and other
site improvements.
Architect: CBT/Childs Bertman Tseckares Inc.
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