Transforming a warehouse into a genius factory

Southline

Although it was a recognizable landmark for many in Massachusetts, the former Boston Globe headquarters at 135 Morrissey Boulevard was a dull, empty space. Looking to rejuvenate the 16.6-acre (6.7-hectare) site into a modern hub for creative office, laboratory, and retail uses, we were brought in to complete architecture and interior design services.

Renamed Southline, this adaptive reuse features 360,000 square feet (33,900 square metres) of office space, 300,000 square feet (27,870 square metres) of flex/industrial space, a 10,000-square-foot (930-square-metre) fitness center, a roof terrace, and a micro craft brewery including an outdoor beer garden.

There are 868 parking spaces and more than 200 bike storage spaces on-site as well as a multi-story atrium that creates a central gathering area complete with food hall and collaborative meeting/gathering spaces. A multi-use path surrounding the site restores Patten’s Cove public park and integrates the site into the Dorchester community.

The redesign and reuse of this building and site allowed for the community to keep a piece of their history while repositioning it for its best future use.