Metal Sales™ roof and wall panels balance the old and new at the AB&W Building at 157 Washington Street in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. The former auto showroom and candy factory site was redeveloped as a mixed-use building with retail and housing units.
The transformed AB&W Building is located one block from the new Four Corners commuter rail station. It consists of 3,300 square feet of commercial space for three retail tenants and 24 affordable rental cooperative housing units. The historic 1920s brick façade was preserved for the retail storefront while the remainder of the original building was demolished.
Metal Sales supplied more than 6,000 square feet of 2.5” Corrugated, 26 gauge metal roof and wall panels in a MS Colorfast45® finish with a vibrant Patriot Red color. The panels adorn both the front and rear façade of the building.
The Metal Sales panels provide the original front façade with a distinct band of color while maintaining its historic appearance. On the rear residential façade, the panels’ clean lines provide a sleek contemporary look. The bright pops of the Patriot Red color brings an interesting contrast in comparison to the soft earth tones on the rest of the structure.
Approximately 5,500 square feet of the material was used for the exterior walls. The panels were installed horizontally to create an eye-catching and welcoming building envelope that complements its urban setting. The remainder of the material was used for the roof.
The harmony with the building façade goes beyond aesthetics. All Metal Sales panel colors are listed with ENERGY STAR®, reducing solar heat gain and consequently lowering energy expenses.
Metal was an ideal choice for the AB&W Building because of its durability and sustainability. Panels require very little maintenance for co-op owners and have a long life span that will tolerate New England weather. Metal Sales offers an industry leading 45 year paint warranty that will ensure the panels maintain their vibrancy even after decades of wear. Metal panels are also 100% recyclable and contain a high percentage of recycled material.
