Charles River Speedway

Built in 1899 as a horse racing stable and park police headquarters along the Charles River, the Charles River Speedway in Brighton had been abandoned for decades.

Bruner/Cott Architects completed a remarkable transformation, turning this Boston Historic Landmark into a thriving community gathering place for all Bostonians.

Bruner/Cott carefully restored six connected buildings, preserving their distinctive shingle-style architecture, charming porches, and intricate woodwork while removing later additions that had compromised the original design. Lost features like sliding barn doors and carriage entrances were faithfully reconstructed.

Today, the Speedway buzzes with activity as home to Notch Brewing's popular brewery and biergarten, artist studios, shops, offices, and food vendors. A welcoming central courtyard connects the buildings, providing accessible public space for neighbors to gather, attend events, and enjoy outdoor performances.

The project balances historic preservation with modern sustainability, incorporating all-electric systems, energy-efficient upgrades, and stormwater management. This award-winning adaptive reuse demonstrates how thoughtful design can rescue endangered historic buildings and transform them into vibrant destinations that serve and celebrate their communities while honoring the past.

Awards:
BSA/AIA, 2023 Social Impact Commendation, Built Design Excellence in Adaptive Reuse, Renovation, & Historic Preservation