West End House Boys & Girls Club
Allston, MA

Located in a residential neighborhood bordered by a city park, the West End House Boys and Girls Club provides a safe and fun space for Boston’s youth. Built in 1970 we first renovated and expanded the space in 2002. We reconfigured the activity space and entry vestibule, updated the facade, and added 6000 s.f. overlooking the park.

The new spaces are specific to the needs of the expanded arts program; dance studio, arts room, photo laboratory; the expanded educational program; computer room, library, study area; and after school program: teen lounge, quiet room, and kitchen.  In addition locker rooms, the lounge, kitchen, sauna, and steam bath have been reconfigured for adult members.  A new facade with larger windows allow natural light into the heart of the building.  Through the use of form and color, the new entry vestibule is a strong and inviting presence on the street.  Existing walls open to light at specific locations.  New windows in the pool area create a visual link between the lobby and the pool.  A new glass channel wall at the pool and new stair allow for a wonderful diffuse light quality, and the creation of a light filled double height upper lobby space and a new sky-lit stair link the renovated space with the addition.

The 2018 expansion adds a new flexible performance space that opens out to a newly landscaped outdoor area with space for performances and events.