Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Richard J. Resch Boathouse renovation, Building W8

MIT's Boathouse underwent a substantial renovation to enhance the experience of student-athletes in its Division 1 crew program and of club rowers and community groups.

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Exterior view, northeast (Courtesy Bruner/Cott Architects and Peterson Architects)

Richard J. Resch Boathouse renovation, Building W8

409 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139

Status: Complete

Themes: Renovation and renewal
Enhancement of life and learning

Completion: 2021

MIT's Boathouse underwent a substantial renovation to enhance the experience of student-athletes in its Division 1 crew program and of club rowers and community groups.

Overview

Exterior view, northeast (Courtesy Bruner/Cott Architects and Peterson Architects)
Exterior view, southeast (Courtesy Bruner/Cott Architects and Peterson Architects)
Exterior view, dock (Courtesy Bruner/Cott Architects and Peterson Architects)
Interior view, main corridor (Courtesy Bruner/Cott Architects and Peterson Architects)

Status

Complete

Completion Date

2021

Themes and priorities

Renovation and renewal
Enhancement of life and learning

Originally designed by Anderson, Beckwith & Haible and dedicated in 1966, MIT’s boathouse began as the home of a single crew team. The Institute’s rowing program has grown considerably since then and now consists of four Division 1 varsity squads (80 men and 90 women). MIT club rowers also use the boathouse’s storage and launch space, as do several public and community groups.

After conducting feasibility studies in 2015 and 2017, MIT launched a substantial renovation project to upgrade the boathouse, support the Institute’s Division 1 student-athletes, and enhance the experience of the teams and the community. The building received new windows, a replacement dock for improved accessibility, and a deck extension to add a second means of egress. Inside, the renovation included multiple building updates, including larger men’s and women’s locker rooms, expanded boat storage, new offices, and increased training spaces as well as a meeting area and other building upgrades.

“This renovation will be a great boon to the performance of our crews and the experience of our student-athletes,” said Tony Kilbridge, H.W. McCurdy '22 Director of Rowing and head coach.

Image credits

Courtesy Bruner/Cott Architects and Peterson Architects

Details

Address

409 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139

School or Unit

Division of Student Life

Use

Student Life

Project Team

Architect: Bruner/Cott Architects, Boston, MA and Peterson Architects, Cambridge, MA
Construction manager: Shawmut Construction, Boston, MA
MIT Team: Marty Deluga, Thayer Donham, Randa Ghattas, Todd Robinson

Scope

22,000 gsf

Design Features

  • New insulated windows
  • Extension of deck with connection to Memorial Drive
  • Improved dock access in compliance with ADA
  • Upgraded mechanical systems and building envelope
  • New coach’s locker room
  • Expanded coach’s office space
  • Larger, redesigned locker rooms for men and women
  • New exercise rooms
  • Expanded boat storage

Sustainable Design Elements

  • Water use reduction
  • Low-flow fixtures
  • LED sensor-driven lighting
  • Low-emitting interior materials
  • Replaced windows with thermally broken windows.
  • Provided building-wide insulation

Map

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