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.

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.

Seger Architects was selected to be the architect for the adaptive use of the former Ipswich District Court/ Town Hall Building in Ipswich, MA. Working with the new Owners, SAI adapted the building for 9 market rate units, one handicap accessible affordable unit for sale and one commercial space. The residential units are a combination of flats and townhouses.  The units are efficient and appointed with modern aesthetic complimenting the historic character of the building. Featuring 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, the layouts include a master bedroom, guest bedroom, master bath, guest bath, modern appliance kitchen and generous living spaces. Each unit will have a dedicated parking space at grade overlooking the Town green. Construction is completed and units are being sold.

21 Washington Square is a large, Greek Revival style single family home situated in Salem, MA directly across from the historic Salem Common. The home was constructed in 1837 and is on the MA State Register of Historic Places.

When purchased the home was dated and in disrepair on both the interior and exterior. It was clad in asbestos shingle siding and most of the trim had perceptible rot or missing portions.

Salem Renewal Ventures purchased the home in 2018 and adapted it for two 2,100 and 2,300 s.f. townhome residential units. The asbestos siding was removed revealing pristine flat board siding on the Washington Square façade and intact clapboard siding on the remaining elevations. All the cladding were readily restorable and the replicated and refurbished watertables, trimboards and soffits all came together as a beautiful restoration project. A large wrought-iron snow fence was removed and refurbished with some replicated pieces added. A former porch over the first floor mudroom/ pantry received a new period-detailed  balustrade and decking.

The interior main stairs were retained, restored and extended to the upper level. Existing Period detailing was retained restored and/ or replicated in the main living areas.  The site was upgraded with brick paths, landscaping, stone patios and wrought iron fence and gate along Washington Square.