Cambridge, MA – September 2010 – Home of the original davenport sofa, the Davenport/Irving Casson furniture factory in East Cambridge has a storied past and listing in the National Register. The building, which underwent a major renovation in the 1980s, has historically been a home for high-tech startups. By 2008, the 220,000-square foot building suffered from lack of “sizzle” and a 70% vacancy rate. That year, the owners of The Davenport, AEW Capital, held a design competition for the revitalization of the space. Working with Paradigm Properties as project manager, they brought in Sasaki to develop plans for the renovation of the lobby, atrium, courtyard and public spaces. Two years later, the results speak for themselves: the building is 82% leased.
At the start of the project, the Davenport suffered from underutilization of natural light, disconnected floor plans and outdated design. Sasaki’s challenge was to provide the 220,000 square foot building with an update that would respect its past while celebrating its future – creating a ‘buzz’ for brokers and potential tenants.
Paying careful attention to historically significant details, the new design concept for the Davenport seamlessly combines the antique character of its original brick and beam structure with a rejuvenated lobby and common space for tenants to meet and connect. AEW also decided to have Sasaki renovate a spec tenant suite, one that would help potential tenants visualize the possibilities of new construction combined with the exposed original brick and wood structure of the building.
One modern innovation Sasaki created for the building is a state-of-the-art conference center, complete with a projection screen for use by the building’s tenants. The center has floor-to-ceiling glazing and overlooks a garden. Thirty foot stands of bamboo and canopy trees create natural spaces for groupings of dining tables throughout the atrium. The design for the outdoor courtyard also accommodates bike storage and creates quiet spaces to enjoy the warmer seasons.
The centerpiece of the renovation is the striking new entryway. Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted with updated graphics that are both bold and inviting, a vestibule lined with eucalyptus paneling and a backlit acrylic bench. A gallery leading to a four story atrium displays artwork commissioned specifically for the space. A black slate-like porcelain tile floor is used throughout the atrium and adjacent spaces to create a harmonious base that complements the historic nature of the interior space. The main feature of the atrium is a striking 45-foot wall of woven fabric. Up lighting from the floor creates depth and shadow while natural light from the glass roof above provides atmosphere that transforms throughout the course of the day and seasons of the year.
Completed in 2010, the renovation offers one of the largest floor plates in Cambridge while maintaining a high degree of flexibility and tenant identity for subdivision. Sasaki Associates helped The Davenport become a hot spot for thriving, innovative technology companies and upstarts including ZipCar, Sonos, PowerSteering, AT&T, Strada, and Hub Spot. Today The Davenport provides its tenants with a memorable, beautiful design and exceptional amenities in a historic setting.