16-Unit Development
Millis, MA Building A: 18,730 | Building B: 20,730 | Total: 39,460 sq. ft.
-
A Masterclass in High-Density Suburban Integration
The architectural and engineering challenge of Bridge Street Terrace was to maximize the residential yield of a 131,500+ SF lot while ensuring environmental and zoning compliance. GDS spearheaded the comprehensive design and permitting, navigating complex setbacks and stringent local bylaws to deliver a 32-unit community that feels both expansive and well-integrated into the Millis landscape.
The design intervention focused on a "Mirrored-Core Development" strategy:
Architectural Symmetry: The site features two identical 42.5-foot tall residential blocks (Building A and Building B). Each structure is engineered for efficiency, housing 16 units across three levels to provide a total of 32 new homes. This symmetry allowed for streamlined construction documentation and a cohesive aesthetic across the entire campus.
Infrastructure & Civil Engineering: A critical component of the design is the advanced stormwater management system. We engineered a centralized infiltration basin and sediment forebay, supported by a system of retaining walls, to handle the site’s specific topography and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
Strategic Site Circulation: The layout optimizes vehicular and pedestrian flow with 51 designated parking spaces, including accessible stalls. By positioning the parking and access drives to buffer the residential blocks, the design prioritizes resident safety and ease of access while maintaining significant green buffers along the property lines.
Technical Precision & Compliance: The zoning and site sets detail a high-occupancy building program that adheres strictly to the Town of Millis R-S district requirements. Every facet of the plan – from the 40-foot front and rear setbacks to the specific drainage calculations – was developed to meet the highest standards of the 9th Edition 780 CMR and local zoning bylaws.
