by Yaoyao Kelly
Located in the heart of Downtown Boston at 151 Tremont Street, Tremont on the Common is an unassuming full-service condominium building featuring 380 units and amenities including park views, garage parking, concierge, pool, gym and common areas. Visnick & Caulfield (VC) was brought on to give this historic and elegant building a design refresh that still respected its legacy and location.
The project scope included the lobby, common spaces, corridors, and outside pool deck. The construction phase required effective communication and coordination between VC and the contractor, Kaplan Construction. Unlike much of VC’s commercial tenant fit-out work, this project posed different challenges and complications.
Together with Kaplan’s team, VC participated in weekly after-hours meetings with the condo association board and building management to ensure construction was efficient and to a standard in which residents and management were pleased.
The building and its infrastructure were dated. As a result, the team did not always know what to expect when tearing open walls. While VC anticipated most of the potential complications, we could not plan for every single issue in advance. Our teams mitigated the potential cost increase and delays these hindrances posed.
Kaplan’s team first focused on the details of our drawings to control what they could and then, as each unforeseen condition arose, communicated clearly the situation and solution to the project manager, designer, and building owner.
The open dialogue between teams allowed this complex project with various roadblocks and stakeholders to proceed on schedule.
The photos and renderings showcase that Tremont on the Common will be truly transformed into a luxurious and welcoming space that maintain its original elegance and place overlooking historic Boston Commons. Custom carpet in the corridors, along with bold area rugs in the lobby and common spaces, make a statement against the neutral modern palette.
Oversized lighting fixtures add a touch of glamour to the contemporary feel. The new amenity spaces including an updated exercise room, common space with a full kitchen and vapor fireplace, and pool deck featuring greenery and a trellis, allow residents to take full advantage of the building throughout the seasons.
Yaoyao Kelly is interior designer at Visnick & Caulfield.