Residential Renaissance

When the current owners first saw the house it had been a rooming house - empty and deteriorating. A hole in the ceiling of the main floor continued two floors to the roof where a family of raccoons had set up housekeeping. The house had not been touched since the 1920’s.

Over the course of the restoration/renovation it was decided to make the fireplace operational as a wood burning stove. All marble mantles in this stack were removed and carefully stored for reinstallation. These marble mantles were hand carved in 1866 and each has unique features carved into the creamy white marble. A poultice was applied to bleach the old marble - drawing out a hundred years of dirt and stains - after which all pieces were waxed and buffed to a luster before being reassembled at each new fireplace opening. First a new foundation for these fireplaces was created in the basement. 4 new wood burning fireplaces were created in a stack - one for each floor to the roof. To achieve this the original chimney breast had to be enlarged - pulled further into the room. This required minor re-framing of the floor systems to allow the new chimney to pass to the roof. The original plaster cornice moulding was destroyed in this process and had to be re-made. An ornamental plasterer was brought in to reproduce the historic original profiles and pieces. 

The roof, windows and exterior brick had been leaking for many years. This resulted in the decay and loss of large sections of the original cornice in various parts of the house. The ornamental plaster reproduced those sections as well as several ceiling medallions and ornamental plaster rods and castings. 

New wood windows were made to replace the decaying original windows. The original interior trim was salvaged and stripped for re-use.  Where that was not possible or practical, new knives were made and new moulding trim was run to restore the look of the original. 

The original pine wood floors had been carpeted in 1866 when the house was new. Never meant to be seen, these floorboards were crude and unfinished. The decision was made to replace them with a new mahogany floor. The design is an intricate mahogany and maple border with mahogany flooring in the center. 

The owners did not want to live in a museum. The furnishings are curated - from an ancient Chinese chest to Art Deco club chairs and a contemporary sofa and occasional tables. Their art collection is an eclectic mix of modern abstract and traditional landscapes. The refracting prisms of a generous contemporary chandelier cast their glow over the entire stunning room. 

See for yourself…… https://www.mcmahonarchitects.com/new-page-23

Fiorella’s Lexington →

Fiorella's draws inspiration from Italy and hospitality from the heart.

As Fiorella's brand & vision continues to blossom and evolve, owners Rémon and Geneviève wanted to breathe new life into their growing brand.

Using the metaphor of Renaissance paintings in a mid-restoration phase, their vision is to maintain the classicism of Italian culture steeped in delicious things, lifetimes of incredible history, and familial roots. All while breathing new life into their concept, symbolic of all that is La Dolce Vita.

Their newest fine-fast location, Fiorella's Trattoria in Lexington, shows where they are heading. The 'Trattoria' concept is a casual dining experience in an aesthetically upscale setting. "When time is of the essence, but you still want to enjoy a fine meal made from scratch."

Fiorella's celebrates the beauty of life and tastes of Italy. It is where the old meets the new. It is a dance between casual elegance. Like a breath of fresh air, the light and sweet color palette, symbolic of springtime, evokes feelings of light-hearted brightness and optimism. Light tones of buttery plastered walls with hints of gold, paired with a soft dusty jade, reflective coppers with floral elements, dropping chandeliers, damask wallpaper and fabric, stunning quartzite counters, and part hardwood and tiled floors, are all elements that are infused into the space.

Flora is the muse and namesake of Fiorella's brand, portrayed in their logo wearing a crown of blooms. In ancient Roman mythology, Flora was the goddess of spring, flowering plants, growth, and abundance. Flora inspires Fiorella's springtime brand and color palette.

And just like the new Trattoria space and Fiorella's flavor-filled company culture, Flora brings the promise of love, light, flowers, celebration, and of course, making life more delicious!

Images from the Fiorella’s project can be found at the following:

Serafina, Seaport →

As the original architects of record for this building, the original restaurant in this space used to be “Babbo” which we were brought back for this project in collaboration with Petra Hausberger of Somerton Park Interiors. 

The Seaport location wanted a fresh take from the current Newbury St restaurant which has an old school Neapolitan concept. Italian designs traditionally feature glossy wood and marble flooring which we were able to modernize by using Terrazzo floors along with Art Deco style patterning in the private dining areas.

The walls carry over the authentic Italian design and feel with neutral finishes and beautiful wood millwork paneling details along with pops of color with greenery and ornate artwork throughout the space.

For the perfect modern feel, a combination of light/chic and custom-made large-scale furniture have been used in the private dining area, and brass metal finishes and exceptional greeneries in the open dining space for a lighter and airier ambiance.

The seat count for this stunning space is 232 – There are a total of three defined spaces which include flexible private dining options, open dining and two full bars.

There is also a seasonal outdoor patio with plenty of additional seating, make sure to make your reservations and enjoy an authentic delicious Italian Cuisine.

 

Jonathan Brackman | General Manager

Serafina Seaport

"Working with your team made such a daunting project become manageable. The thoughtful and professional guidance that I received during the entire process, from beginning to end, gave me so much comfort and confidence. Everyone on the team handled my questions, frustrations, and concerns with so much empathy and professionalism – you helped us overcome each obstacle with grace and reassurance. Your entire team are part of the Serafina family!".

Images from the Serafino and Babbo projects can be found at the following:

https://www.mcmahonarchitects.com/serafina-seaport

https://www.mcmahonarchitects.com/babbo

Commonwealth Care Alliance leading the list of Top Places to Work: Diversity Edition

Diversity in the workplace not only allows people of different backgrounds to have equal opportunities. It also pushes teams to grow and thrive, with employees offering different perspectives, ideas and even healthy conflict that can lead to progress and innovation.

We are proud to see our client Commonwealth Care Alliance ranked among the best places to work in regards to diversity. They have worked hard to examine all aspects of their business and operations to support this mission. Check the link below for the full article!