The 1960s brick building at 17 Hartwell Avenue in Lexington needed a radical refresh to appeal to today’s tenants. Building owners Boston Properties selected Maugel Architects and Chapman Construction/Design to rejuvenate the 30,000 sf single-story structure.

To transform the building’s façade, new windows were installed (quadrupling the original window area), and a 500 sf glass entry vestibule was constructed to flood the building with natural light. Extensive site improvements — including landscaping, a newly paved parking lot, and sidewalks with granite curbs – further enhanced the building’s appearance.

Inside, the core bathrooms were replaced, and new electric and water services were brought to the building. New energy-efficient rooftop units and MEPs were installed to improve the building’s performance.

Once the building’s modernization was complete, Boston Properties quickly landed a new tenant: medical technology company Fractyl. Chapman is currently engaged in Fractyl’s interior fit-out, which will include lab and cleanroom areas, as well as open office and collaborative work spaces.

Chapman’s 17 Hartwell Avenue project team included Joe Cahalane, Ted Stachnick, John Hyde, and Emily Clark.