Allee on the Charles Newton, MA
Allee on the Charles brings an exciting new mix of uses to the Nonantum neighborhood of Newton. Apartments combine with recreational and retail amenities to reinvigorate this area at the end of Los Angeles Street. Formerly home to industrial buildings and parking lots that blocked river access, the heart of the new design is a broad linear courtyard and inviting pathway through the complex and down to the lush Charles River landscape.
The design recalls and respects the industrial character of the area, but it offers a decidedly residential feel. The complex is broken down into a series of smaller blocks, lining the courtyard with a mix of scales interspersed with open trellises and landscaping. Along the street, a broad, glassy entry connects the “bridge” framing views to the river; building wings step down towards the water. Apartments sit back from the courtyard, framing resident-only amenities at the second floor. Community-focused commercial amenities include a small restaurant, community art gallery, bicycle “loaner” and repair shop, artist live/work spaces, canoe/kayak rentals, a Community Room and a Sports Center. These new uses are intended to encourage neighbors to visit, engage new activities, and connect from the existing Forte Park west of the site.
New buildings range from one to five stories, with 204 apartments varying in size from 700 to 1200 square feet. Decks encourage residents to enjoy views. Most parking is tucked under the buildings, hidden from view (236 parking spaces provide 0.86 parking spaces per unit), in keeping with transit-oriented development standards for a complex located within a short walk to bus lines in Watertown Square.
