Allston, Mass. – Architecture, interiors, and planning firm PCA has completed Arthaus, an art-focused residential development in the heart of Boston’s Allston neighborhood.
Located at the intersection of North Beacon and Everett Streets, Arthaus, the latest development by The Mount Vernon Company, is composed of a five-story, 72-unit apartment residence and a separate nine-unit condominium building.
Arthaus’s glassed-in lobby showcases local artists and a street-level public plaza with seating on North Beacon Street. The gallery, managed by Unbound Visual Arts, an Allston-Brighton–based nonprofit arts organization, engages those passing by to view an ever-changing display of locally created artwork.
![Arthaus gallery, Allston, Mass.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/3%20Gallery%20Photo%204_Reilly%20Nov%206.jpg)
PCA’s design features a distinctive, contemporary façade inspired by the Japanese origami, with waveform patterns zigzagging through the corrugated metal exterior.
DESIGN ADDS NEW ENERGY TO ALLSTON NEIGHBORHOOD
“We know from years of experience that a great design appeals to tenants and outperforms competing properties,” said Bruce A. Percelay, Chairman and Founder of The Mount Vernon Company. “We want to be the best in any neighborhood where we compete, and we express that through architecture. PCA’s design adds new energy to a neighborhood known for its eclectic eateries, entertainment venues, and locally owned shops.”
“With Arthaus, we wanted to create a one-of-a-kind residential experience that reflects the artistic and diverse cultural character of the neighborhood,” said PCA Principal Dave Snell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. “Allston has long been at the heart of Boston’s arts and music community, and the connection between the Arthaus design, the building’s amenities, and its community engagement clearly struck a chord with residents.” Arthaus was fully leased before its completion.
WIDE RANGE OF TENANT AMENITIES
The recently occupied residence offers a wide range of high-end tenant amenities at a price point below competing properties: a rooftop gathering and entertaining space with 360-degree city views, on-site underground parking, a high-tech fitness center with Peloton bikes and a MIRROR interactive fitness system, electric vehicle charging stations, and a dog park and pet spa.
Arthaus is the latest of a dozen creative collaborations between PCA and The Mount Vernon Company over the past decade. The two teamed up to produce the LEED Platinum–certified Allston Green District in Boston, the 164-room Revolution Hotel – selected as the #1 Hotel in Boston by Condé Nast Traveler, and Radius, a LEED Gold–certified, mixed-use development featuring 132 apartments and ground-floor retail space in Brighton.
![PCA Arthaus EXT view night Anton Grassl](/sites/default/files/inline-images/PCA_Arthaus_EXT%20View%20NIGHT.jpg)
Owner: The Mount Vernon Company
Architect: PCA
Construction Manager: Cranshaw Construction
Branding & Design: Visual Dialogue
Interior Design: Superette Studio
Structural Engineer: Odeh Engineers
Landscape Architect: RBLA Design
![UVA technical staff set up the latest showing at Arthaus's gallery.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/5%20Arthaus%20gallery%20installation_1.png)
ABOUT PCA
PCA, founded in 1982 and based in Cambridge, is recognized as one of Greater Boston’s largest, most responsive and innovative design firms. The firm’s creative staff brings a blend of business insight and creative problem-solving to each project. With expertise in architecture, planning, and interior design, the firm’s thoughtful, award-winning design has generated one success after another for our clients — projects that thrive in the marketplace and bring lasting value to the community.
ABOUT THE MOUNT VERNON COMPANY
Mount Vernon Company is a real estate investment company recognized as one of the leading apartment property owners in Massachusetts. The company, founded by Bruce A. Percelay, has grown over the past 30 years to include 1,600 apartments, five hotels, and select commercial and vacation properties. Mount Vernon Company received the Community Excellence Award from the Rental Housing Association of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, the Paragon Award for Industry Excellence by the National Apartment Association, Best Landlord in Boston recognition by Boston Magazine, and Best Places to Work in Boston award by the Boston Business Journal.
Related Stories
Design Innovation Report | Jun 25, 2019
2019 Design Innovation Report: Super labs, dream cabins, office boardwalks, façades as art
9 projects that push the limits of architectural design, space planning, and material innovation.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 25, 2019
Historic New York hospital becomes multifamily development
CetraRuddy designed the project and Delshah Capital is the developer.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 25, 2019
New Joint Center housing report foresees steady rental demand over the next decade
However, supply shortages, especially on the affordable end, are likely to push rents even higher.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 17, 2019
Boston multifamily development combines a historic warehouse with a new, modern addition
The Architectural Team designed the project.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 4, 2019
New Silver Spring apartment community includes over 5,000 sf of amenity space
Design Collective is the project’s architect.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 3, 2019
11 trends in senior living
Style, flexibility, and fun highlight the latest design trends for the 55+ market.
Multifamily Housing | May 29, 2019
Grilled to order: The art of outdoor kitchens
Seven tips for ensuring outdoor kitchens deliver safe, memorable experiences for residents and guests.
Multifamily Housing | May 17, 2019
At last, downtown Dallas tower to get $450 million redo
The landmark tower has been vacant for a decade.
Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2019
Multifamily visionary: AvalonBay’s relentless attention to detail
The nation's fourth-largest owner of apartments holds more than 85,000 apartments in 291 communities.