Chatham Community and Recreation Center
Chatham, MA
BH+A worked with the Town of Chatham to realize their vision for a community center that invested in the culture and wellness of their town. By opting to renovate an existing building, emphasis was placed on reinvesting in a historic building that was in good shape as a budget-friendly, sustainable option while maintaining the history and character of the town.
BH+A designed a new 27,500 sf community recreation center for the Town of Chatham by renovating the historic 1925 Main Street School. Program space included the recreation department offices and activity rooms with a new facility adjacent to the school designed to house multi-purpose rooms, a gymnasium, and locker rooms. The renovation included upgrades to the HVAC system, the addition of movable walls to create flexible spaces, and compliant restroom facilities accessible both inside and outside the facility.
BH+A understands the value of adaptive reuse; the creative challenge, creating economic value and contributing positively to a community.
Adaptive reuse as a sustainable option because of the reduction in building materials needed to transform a space.
Adaptive reuse can restore an old building not only for new use, but also for the community to continue appreciating the site’s historical significance and maintain links to the past.
Good adaptive use design displays harmony between old and new infrastructure and illustrates the community’s identity. An identity can add to a community’s charm, and even potentially its market appeal.
