Government and other Institutional Projects
Sharon Architects has experience working on a wide variety of government and institutional project types:
Educational: Public schools, private schools, K-12 and higher education;
Communal: Houses of worship, community centers, senior centers, teen centers, ritualariums;
Governmental: Fire stations, city halls, post offices, registry of motor vehicles, public parking facilities;
Military: Dorms, training facilities, vehicular and aviation storage and maintenance facilities.
Educational: Public schools, private schools, K-12 and higher education;
Communal: Houses of worship, community centers, senior centers, teen centers, ritualariums;
Governmental: Fire stations, city halls, post offices, registry of motor vehicles, public parking facilities;
Military: Dorms, training facilities, vehicular and aviation storage and maintenance facilities.
Fire Station
It was an extraordinary privilege to implement the Worcester Fire Department's vision for a new fire station, on the site of a 1999 fire that took the lives of 6 firefighters. Our goal was to create a station with modern amentities, a handsome and enduring work of civic architecture, and a living testament to the brave firefighters of Worcester. We were rewarded with widespread praise, and a Judge's Choice award from Fire Chief Magazine. (1)
Parking Garage and Retail
The demands of this project were many, and rigorous: Provide parking for 500+ cars on a tight urban site, to encourage the use of mass transit. Provide retail space to bring foot traffic to the neighborhood. Use precast construction and brick for economy. Create a design that was compatible with Worcester's Beaux Arts Union Station. Create a new tunnel under the existing active railroad tracks to connect with Union Station. Negotiate numerous obstacles such as grade changes, height limitations and underground utilities. All goals were successfully met. (1)
Middle School
Creating a brand new Middle School on a virgin site in North Scituate, RI was a rare opportunity. However, the budget was tight and no space could be wasted. Classroom clusters were located in a separate wing, oriented to maximize Northern and Southern exposures. Large spaces such as the Cafetorium, Gymnasium and Library were organized off a spacious public lobby, permitting access during and after school hours. Administrative offices were located adjacent to the main entrance. Noisy activities such as music, wood shop and gym were effectively isolated. Parent and bus drop off areas were neatly separated. A biomass plant was added for heating. (2)
Synagogue
This Congregation had been in existence in New Haven for over 100 years, but changes to the neighborhood, community and demographics meant it was time to relocate. Finding an available Church building in a desirable neighborhood was the opportunity it needed. The sanctuary, chapel, kitchen, entrance and bathrooms, all needed complete renovation. The budget was tight, but the goal was met, with a new home for the happy clients. (3)
1) with Maguire Group. 2) with Maguire Group and Aharonian Architects. 3) with Arthur Ratner Architect.