On The Boards: Q4 2024
Robots, libraries, neighborhoods—these recent projects are all about designing spaces that inspire, innovate and connect.
New Bedford Research & Robotics
We’re excited to be working with New Bedford Research & Robotics (NBRR) to transform a 15,000 SF former garage into a collaborative innovation hub. NBRR leverages industrial robotics and AI to connect entrepreneurs, students, and artists.
Union’s design highlights the Robotics Hall, where large windows and roll-up doors showcase the industrial robots from the street, creating a dynamic connection with the community. The adjacent Office Hall provides flexible workspaces, conference rooms, and private offices.
Sustainable updates include reusing the existing structure, all-electric systems, and improved accessibility. Exterior enhancements strengthen ties to the neighborhood with landscaping, bike parking, and a welcoming pedestrian entrance near the new MBTA station.
Golden Triangle
In response to new Massachusetts legislation promoting transit-oriented development, Union is working on a 375-unit community in Amesbury, designed to include a range of housing types and income levels across 66 acres.
The plan thoughtfully transitions between neighborhoods, with detached and attached single-family homes to the south and multifamily buildings, manor houses, and walk-ups to the north. Shared amenities at the center connect both areas, fostering a unified community feel.
Union collaborated with the Town to develop new zoning regulations and a Pattern Book with design guidelines, ensuring the new homes seamlessly integrate with Amesbury’s scale and character while setting a model for future developments.
Hyannis Public Library
Union is reimagining the Hyannis Public Library, a historic landmark on Main Street, to meet modern needs while honoring its rich history. Union’s design replaces the aging 1970s wing with flexible, interconnected spaces, including a community area, teaching kitchen, dance studio, and expanded children’s and teen sections.
Balancing preservation with modernization, the project enhances accessibility, energy efficiency, and the library’s connection to the community. The result is a thoughtful transformation that bridges generations, ensuring the library remains a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and connection.