The project includes the adaptive-use of two historical buildings located at the former St. Joseph Church site on Lafayette Street in Salem, MA. The Rectory building is being restored for the use of 13 residential units. The School building restoration will provide 24 residential units.

*This project was awarded State and Federal Tax Credits for the Historic Renovation of the Rectory.

*These projects were awarded State and Federal Tax Credits for the Historic Renovation.

Settlement House 114 Derby Street - 2017 Preservation Award

2017 Historic Salem Preservation Award Winner

Seger Architects was commissioned to adapt a former alternative school and original home for aged men on Derby Street on Salem’s historic waterfront. Purchased from the House of Seven Gables as a surplus property the Developer’s endeavored to insert 6 luxury condominiums in a tight, historic context.

The existing original 1806 structure was originally a large, handsome Federal period home which had been adapted over the years to facilitate different programs. A large two-story porch fronting Derby Street was demolished and currently a single story sensitively designed porch completed by Seger Architects in 2005 now exists in its place.  The building also took on more Italianate characteristics with all the changes implemented over the years all of which endangered its historic status. In 1985 a contemporary, wood frame, clapboard clad addition was constructed to the side and rear of the original masonry building. Considerably more modern in aesthetic, the addition and original historic main building formed a unique design challenge for Seger Architects and the Developer’s eager to create a product sensitive to the unique attributes imparted by the impact of the design from both eras.

The finished program contained a mix of townhomes and flats which addressed a wide range of demographics for both older, empty nesters looking to downsize within their community and younger couples starting out with their first home. The wood addition given its unique configuration lent itself to a single townhome in the portion along Turner Street and flats fronting Derby Street with accompanying decks with direct views of the House of Seven Gables, landscaped courtyard and seasonal water views. The townhome and flats were treated differently with color to differentiate their layout style and to break down the innate massing in this small-scale, historic neighborhood. The original building contains flats of varying sizes to address the demand for both large and small homes.

All new fenestration, systems, energy conserving measures, masonry restoration and cladding at the addition were completed as part of the adaptive use.

The completely occupied, completed project is a fresh intervention in this conservative, homogeneous neighborhood of tightly knit, low scale, wood framed, gabled homes.

Seger Architects was commissioned to design the new Sea Level restaurant in the historic seaport city of Newburyport, MA. Sea Level is a successful, waterfront seafood restaurant currently in Salem ,MA. The Owner, currently operating Sea Level and another more upscale waterfront establishment is looking to expand his waterfront based fare to this toney, historic community.

Seger Architects was commissioned to fit-out the new Sea Level restaurant in the iconic Newburyport building, the Firehouse Theater.

Working with the existing fabric Seger Architects is introducing a modest addition to expand dining space and creating an “outdoor room” with a structured permanent pergola structure topped with a double, hipped roof canopy. This will allow for al fresco dining and expand the seasonal outdoor dining experience at this waterfront venue.

The restaurant will be completely renovated to include a large, full bar, Oyster Bar, dining area and full kitchen. As part of the agreement with the theater owners and the City of Newburyport the Owner will be renovating and modernizing the existing toilets which are open to the public and part of the Chapter 91 waterfront license offering a facility of public accommodation.

To expand the al fresco dining experience on both the downtown fronting façade and rear waterfront facing façade, upward acting glass overhead doors will be added to connect the indoors to the outdoors.

The original buildings were constructed circa 1850 as a double and single family home. A one-story breezeway connects the two buildings located on two adjacent parcels. Over time, the buildings and fallen into great disrepair. Seger Architects, Inc. was hired to study the buildings for a multi-family use. The renovations included converting the buildings into 9 residential units and included extensive interior and exterior repairs. The project for the conversion of the existing multi-use building into a Residential Use for a total of 9 residential units.

The project received Historic Tax Credits for the improvements and a number of preservation awards.

Seger Architects, Inc. was selected to be the architect for the adaptive use of the former St. John the Baptist Convent on Howard Street in Salem, MA. Working with the new Owners SAI adapted the building for six market-rate flats for sale. The units are efficient and appointed with a modern aesthetic which is consistent with the building. Featuring 1 and 2 bedroom units, the layouts include a master bath, guest bath, modern appliance kitchen, and generous living spaces. Each unit has dedicated yard space at grade and/ or balconies.

2017 Historic Salem Preservation Award Winner

Interior before conversion

Interior Classroom

Temple Shalom Adaptive Reuse for Salem State University

In early 2014 local developer Salem Renewal LLC proposed an adaptive use of the former Temple Shalom Synagogue to a satellite campus for Salem State University. The campus, being in close proximity to the former synagogue, expressed interest with the proposal as the home for the School of Social Work and International Programs.

Seger Architects, teaming with a higher education consulting architect Jones Architecture of Salem, MA, generated an initial program and schematic design for SSU which satisfied their program needs and kick-started the implementation of the exciting new life for this soon to be abandoned structure.

Implementation involved a number of creative modifications to the building including; inter-flooring of the main sanctuary for office space and creating full accessibility via a five-stop elevator which serviced disparate levels between the front and back of the building.

The existing building, with its large sanctuary and lower equally large function hall spaces, lent itself to creating spacious classrooms, open student lounge areas, and faculty offices accommodating the needs of the University. Much of the interior woodwork and existing finishes were restored and were complimented by the interior finishes proposed by Betsy Ricciarelli Interior Design of Salem, MA.

Restorations to the exterior included the façade masonry and woodwork restoration, complete window replacement and energy upgrade, and the introduction of a landscaped courtyard, which included an integral accessible walkway leading to the main entrance of the building.

The school opened on budget and on time for the 2015 fall semester and has been well received by both the University and the City of Salem.

162 Federal Street, Salem, MA.  Seger Architects was commissioned to design the Historic renovation and conversion of the existing administrative building to 8 townhouse style and flats.  They are a mixture of one and two bedroom apartments.

*This project was awarded State and Federal Tax Credits for the Historic Renovation.

2016 Historic Salem Preservation Award Winner

Seger Architects Inc. (SAI) was commissioned to design the historic adaptive use of the Joshua Ward House in downtown Salem, MA. The house was built ca. 1784 and is on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The Joshua Ward house is rich in history. George Washington stayed there in 1789 on a visit to Salem and wrote about his stay in his diary on display in the Smithsonian Museum.

Seger Architects was challenged with adapting the former, house/ real estate agency and bookstore to a luxury 11 room inn with parlor and support spaces.  As part of the adaptive use project SAI and the Owner zXe LLC committed to restoring the structure to its original grandeur. Working with the National Park Service, Mass Historic Commission and Salem Historic Commission a program of restoration was put in place and implemented. This included new true divided, dual glazed wood windows, masonry repair, widow’s walk balustrade, faux slate roofing, a brick paver drive and parking lot, rear deck with matching balustrade and restored interior.

The interior was subdivided into 10 rooms whose volumes matched the original room configuration. Existing closets were removed between the rooms and replaced with contemporary bathrooms. The bathrooms feature walk-in tile and glass enclosed showers.

Slated to open in November 2015 The Merchant (Joshua Ward  House) is an exciting addition to Salem’s present, vibrant downtown and rich inventory of historic structures.

*This project was awarded State and Federal Tax credits.