Cummings House
Boxford, MA – Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) is leading the design for the creation of a new community center for the town of Boxford. The project includes renovations to the historic Cummings House as well as additions for the new program spaces.
The Center at 10 Elm will be a place for the town’s seniors, youth, and all generations to gather, share in activities, and provide a venue for community events. The existing Cummings House, located within the Boxford Village Historic District, is a late 19th century, timber frame home, donated to the town by Julia Cummings in 1938 and previously used as the town library since 1939, with an addition constructed in 1979. The library is now located in the Town Hall.
GRLA is working closely with the town of Boxford to achieve their goals of expanded program spaces and increased access, safety and building comfort to properly respond to the community’s needs. The project will include demolition of the 1979 library addition and adjacent storage barn, renovation and refurbishment of the original Cummings House, and an approximately 5,000sf addition with a large multi-purpose room with an outdoor patio, commercial kitchen, administration offices, support spaces, and a spacious entrance lobby. Parking for about 35 cars will be provided on site with the goal to preserve as much of the “Pony Field” as possible for town outdoor activities.
The current Phase 1 includes design through bidding. Once approved by town meeting in spring of 2021, Phase 2 will proceed to construction through occupancy anticipated in early 2022.
