Morgan Devlin « LLB Architects | Lerner Ladds Bartels

Hope High School Auditorium Study

September 11th, 2019

Hope High School Auditorium rendering

The Alumni Association of Hope High School invited LLB Architects to conduct a conceptual study of the school’s Auditorium and surrounding spaces to support a fundraising effort to revitalize the theater via a classical restoration with state-of-the-art technology. The program included in this conceptual study was the addition of a coat room, refreshment area and additional restrooms. Spaces adjacent to the auditorium such as the lobby, green rooms, practice rooms and dressing areas are planned to be refurbished. Additional goals include safety in the renovated vestibule to create a lock down sally port, with connection to a relocated Clerk and Principal suite. Lastly, mechanical and roof replacements were included in cost estimation.

The interior theater space is planned to receive a full renovation, with the rake of the auditorium and new balcony inserted, and adjusting the seating layout around the existing orchestra pit to ensure that each of the 840 seats has a good view of the stage. Other planned features include a new state-of-the-art A/V system, a new HVAC system, increased ADA accessibility, and new restrooms, making the theater a self-sufficient entity for public and private events. Renovations will also include restoration of the orchestra pit, interior finishes, and reconfiguration of school offices.

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U.S. Coast Guard Alumni Association Strength & Conditioning Center

September 11th, 2019

Commissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard Alumni Association, LLB renovated an existing building at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. The renovations reactivated an underutilized space by converting existing racquetball courts into a Strength and Conditioning Center. It used the existing space more efficiently by opening up to the adjacent corridor, and relocating existing program elements such as the equipment and fueling stations. The open concept space allows for more lifting equipment and provides training space for the football team in a single space. The new mezzanine level provides new program elements such as a warm-up area with cardio equipment, medicine ball area, and a sled track. The creation of new exterior openings allows natural light to flood the space and take advantage of the structure’s proximity to the Thames River with expansive water views. Renovations also reorient the building on the campus through the creation of a new entry sequence providing a new entry canopy, glass storefront, and a re-clad building envelope.

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Rhode Island College – Craig-Lee Hall

September 9th, 2019

Craig-Lee Hall was one of the first buildings erected on the Rhode Island College’s campus. It has fallen into disrepair over the years with outdated heating and cooling systems; leaky and falling ceiling tiles; accessibility problems for students with disabilities; poor acoustics and inadequate office and classroom space. The Hall needed extensive renovations to address these issues while creating spaces that align with modern teaching and learning methodologies.

The primary goal was to modernize and integrate Craig-Lee Hall into the campus and transform the relationship between it and Gaige Hall, since both are prominent buildings that face the main quad. Additional design goals include updating the program layout in order to create more open, light-filled spaces that allow for group study, student gatherings and casual meetings to take place. The building systems were modernized to contribute the goal of achieving LEED certification.

On the interior, the traditional boundaries of the cubicle were broken down and a new open student lounge is located on the first floor at the end of the quad. The layout has classrooms on one side and office spaces on the other. A “mixing” between the two sides allows for connections to be made and to foster social interaction. Finally, the former mechanical yard was transformed into a green courtyard space with a rain garden which can be seen from student lounges located on all floors.

Photography by Nat Rea

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Torque Therapeutics

July 29th, 2019

In collaboration with Charles Rose Architects, LLB Architects performed the role of laboratory design architect for the renovation of this massive block-long building in Kendall Square. The renovation design transforms the entire fifth floor for Torque Therapeutic’s offices and biotechnology research and development laboratory spaces. Torque Therapeutics is developing advanced cell process engineering to expand cell therapies fighting human disease.

The challenge for this project was to design a new space around roughly 100 pieces of existing equipment and provide a substantive tenant laboratory sub-lease space that the client could eventually grow into. The existing building is narrow and angular. Working with the Chief Scientific Officer, LLB developed lab space designs specific enough for each of the specialized research departments, while planning a flexible layout which fosters collaboration between the various research groups. The laboratory houses equipment islands, work benches, biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, shared autoclaves, and instrumentation rooms. Adjacent to the laboratory are the dry computational spaces and community rooms for conference and collaboration.

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Worcester Ice Center

June 13th, 2019

The center houses two full-size ice rinks – each with mezzanine, two story seating, an athletic training and conditioning center, oversized locker rooms, meeting spaces, and an on-site pro shop and restaurant. The goal is to create an environment where families can enjoy a variety of activities while the other family member is on the ice. This is accomplished by providing a mixed-use retail/recreational facility that is as cutting-edge on the interior as it is on the exterior. With a large, glass entrance way which can be seen from the freeway, the facility has become a focal point for the downtown area. It is clad in ﬂush metal panel and anodized aluminum curtain wall to express a more sophisticated, modern urban take on a traditional, pre-engineered metal building.

As part of the city’s most actively developing area, the Canal District, the project contributes to the revitalization of the district. LLB produced initial conceptual drawings for feedback and approval from both the Worcester Planning Commission and the Canal District Alliance. This process refined the way the building would engage the surrounding streetscape and community.

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Worcester Public Library

June 12th, 2019

A major renovation of the Worcester Public Library is now complete, including a new front entry and a totally reimagined interior. The renovation features the latest in library design and technology, along with world-class spaces for children and teens. The main branch of the Worcester Public Library is located at the heart of the City, which is undergoing a revitalization with vibrant new restaurants, outdoor plazas and hundreds of new apartments under construction.

LLB was enlisted to improve the connection of the library to the downtown by creating a new entry that faces the public common or what is known to the locals as “the living room of the city”. Previously, the main entrance was from the parking lot. A visually appealing new marquee invites visitors into a welcoming, spacious first floor with a view down the central axis of the building — connecting it from front to back.

The interior renovation of the Library added 8,000 square feet of space to the first floor by converting an exterior covered walkway into usable space. The ground level gained program elements new to the building, such as an Innovation Center, Media Lab, and quiet study rooms of various sizes. Teens now have their own dedicated space within the library and access to the latest technology offerings to assist with their studies and creative interests.

A signature element of the renovation is the Children’s Room which was relocated to a more secure location on an upper level. It also created a dynamic world-class destination space for families filled with playful elements, including a rocketship, silhouettes of triple deckers and a starry sky graphic overhead.

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Principal Kathleen Bartels Receives Providence Business News Award

June 11th, 2019

Kathleen A. Bartels, AIA, was recognized by Providence Business News with an Achievement Honoree Award at its 2019 Business Women Awards. PBN honors the success of high-achieving women in a variety of industries with these annual awards. Kathleen is a Principal and Co-Owner of LLB Architects.

Kathleen has been instrumental in the growth of LLB Architectswhich was established in 1936. She has helped expand its practice from a respected local design firm to a regional leader in major institutional and civic projects. Kathleen has a Master in Architecture degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College. She joined LLB Architects in 1996 and became a partner in 2000.

Kathleen is also an active member of the local community, serving on several nonprofit boards. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Centreville Bank Charitable Foundation which helps strengthen communities across Rhode Island by providing grants to local community-based organizations focusing on education, economic security and capacity building initiatives. Kathleen also serves on the Board of Trustees for Community Preparatory School, an independent school serving socio-economically disadvantaged students in grades 3–8. She is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Pawtucket Foundation.

In 2011, Kathleen and business partner Christian Ladds completed a renovation and adaptive reuse of a vacant mill building in Pawtucket which became LLB Architect’s headquarters. Now known as the Design Exchange for its fostering of creative enterprises, the building has won numerous design and historic preservation awards as well as serving as a model for urban renewal and redevelopment.

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Gamm Theatre

June 6th, 2019

The first phase of renovations to the Gamm Theatre in Warwick were completed in September 2018. The initial phase of work focused on transforming the existing proscenium stage into a flexible black box theatre, allowing for the tiered theatre seating to be reconfigured to suit each production. A portion of the existing proscenium theatre was retained to allow the Gamm the flexibility to host a variety of events in their new home. The renovations also included various administrative and actor support spaces, a new Box Office, and an improved circulation flow in the lobby.

During early design and programming phases LLB Architects worked closely with the contractor to refine the client’s needs and goals into a program that fit their requirements and budget. Regular workshops with the Gamm and the contractor ensured effective team communication and yielded timely decisions to fit the project schedule. This process ultimately allowed for construction to take place in a limited window.

Subsequent phases will include upgrading the finishes and lighting in the lobby and redesign of the entrance plaza, along with upgraded building finishes. The phased approach allows for renovations to take place between seasons and for the scope of work to be tailored to the funding as it becomes available.

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Gamm Theatre Pawtucket Times

June 6th, 2019

While this site was ultimately not selected by the Gamm Theatre, the conceptual design demonstrates creative options for adaptive reuse of a historic building in downtown Pawtucket. The mixed use project was seeking to weave new programs into the community and create a new downtown destination. The design proposed an architectural intervention blending the theater lobby with a new multi-level plaza on this urban block in Pawtucket.

Two performance venues would occupy the former production facilities on the ground level. The second floor would be fit out for flexible rehearsal and education spaces that are open to the community. Opening up the existing brick infill and skylights would allow daylight to flow through the building. The upper levels of the office tower would be transformed into light filled residential units.

The sloped razor-thin roof in conjunction with a minimal curtain wall facade and a bold color palette create an accent in the streetscape that mark the entrance to the theater and heighten the identity of the existing building. The south facing plaza is a seasonal extension of the lobby, as well as an inviting space for public use.

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Jonathan Taylor Named President of AIA Rhode Island Chapter

May 13th, 2019

Senior Associate Jonathan M. Taylor, AIA, has been named President of AIA Rhode Island. AIA Rhode Island is a 501c6 nonprofit membership organizations, founded in 1875, and is the 7th oldest chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Jonathan joined LLB Architects in 2011. He was named Director of Design Implementation in 2015, a role he continues in today. He was promoted to Associate in 2017 and recently promoted to Senior Associate in recognition of his many contributions to the firm. His experience includes extensive work with governmental and institutional clients, including many Rhode Island higher education institutions. Prior to joining LLB Architects, Jonathan worked for nearly 10 years for Goody Clancy in Boston, MA.

Jonathan has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects since 2000, the Boston Society of Architects until 2011, and AIA Rhode Island since 2012. He served on the AIA National Associates Committee from 2006 to 2011, including as the AIA New England Regional Associate Director in 2007 & 2008, and NAC Chair in 2009. He served on the national AIA Board of Directors in 2010 as the National Associate Director, and on the board and its Executive Committee in 2011, as the Senior Associate Director. Jonathan has served on the board of AIA Rhode Island since 2014 and was Secretary from 2017 to 2018. He is currently Chair of the Committee on Practice, as well as serving on the Communications and Membership Committees.

Jonathan is continuing in a long tradition of LLB Architects’ involvement in leadership roles at AIA Rhode Island. The late Steven L. Lerner, AIA served on the board, including as President in 1983. Principal Drayton Fair, AIA, served on the board from 1995-1997, including as President in 1996. Principal Christian J. Ladds, AIA, served on the board from 1994 to 2000, including as President in 1999. Principal Kathleen A. Bartels, AIA, served on the board from 2004 to 2005, including as President in 2004. Associate Principal Aimee G. Lombardo, AIA, served on the board from 2012-2013, including as Vice President in 2013. Associate Cara Pomeranz, AIA, is a current member of the Board of Directors.

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