CROSSTOWN ARCHITECTURE

Sandro and I started with a phone call about the project. He quickly understood the project and asked lots of good questions.

I was in a hurry so Sandro moved quickly. He made a site visit, talked with the Cambridge Historical Commission to make sure he understood their rules, prepared the drawings, and sent the drawings to me by email within ONE DAY! That's pretty amazing service! Of course, this was not a complex job but there were three drawings required, a site visit, and a meeting with the city.

Sandro's drawings were perfect for this application. He didn't do some complex computer model (although I think he knows how to do that). He did sketches that clearly showed the essential elements. We exchanged a few emails about the drawings and he even offered advice about the flagpole brackets and mounting techniques. That was a nice plus!

After receiving the drawings, I was able to quickly get approval from the necessary church committees and submit the application to the Cambridge Historical Commission. At their next meeting, they approved our application unanimously. Clearly, Sandro's work was a complete success. I couldn't be happier!

Sandro worked with us from conception through design, approvals, and into construction oversight. He is creative, respectful, and a good listener. He makes himself readily available by phone and email, and posts interim results for review on his web site. The original price he quoted us was very reasonable. However, the final price ended up much higher as the City of Boston put us through the ringer in every possible way. We never anticipated the difficulty of adding 2 dormer windows and a bath to a single family home. In spite of it, Sandro stuck with us every step of the way, attending all the hearings and meetings and supplying our GC with a stream of new drawings as required. The only thing I wish he'd known was the value of lining up political support (City Councilors) at the zoning board hearing. (Who would think you'd need such? But apparently it's common practice.) Fortunately, Sandro worked the room and by the time our case came up, he had lined up all the right people to speak in our favor and we got our approval from the board. Similarly, Sandro stuck up for us through months of negotiations with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which conducts a design review for all projects that involve zoning variances.

Sandro has stopped twice to check on the work, but the GC has needed very little help from him, which I guess speaks to the completeness of Sandro's work. The end result will be a lovely space that should meet all our needs well while working within the constraints that the city imposed. If you are remodeling or building new space in the Boston area, you'll be glad to have Sandro's creativity, experience, and persistence. He's done a great job and the results are excellent.

The entire process went like clockwork Crosstown involved the builders early on in order that the budget was managed from the very start. Alternative foundation strategies were employed, until we arrived at the optimal arrangement for the most cost effective construction. The building was quickly erected with no snags, and we were in business throughout the entire time. This was critical, as an interruption in business would be very costly. We are now contemplating a 2nd story addition as well.

Planning started in the spring and the work began in early July, with demolition and structural work to remove several walls on the first floor. My family and I remained in the house on the upper 2 floors until mid August, and the workers were very conscientious to minimize the noise and discomfort. After we moved out, the kitchen on the second floor was removed and a big, beautiful, new kitchen installed on the first. Closets were added to 2 rooms on the second floor; (redundant) stairs removed and a new floor install on the third floor; new windows were added (some as replacements); french doors were added to the back of the house; floors were refinished throughout; the HVAC was reconfigured to improve function and efficiency; the hot water heater was replaced; and a fireplace was installed on the first floor (my favorite new feature!). My family and I moved back in in mid-September, with only some painting and finish carpentry to complete inside. The work then moved to the exterior; a small deck was added to the back, and the front porch was restored with turned balusters with a small deck above. They're now finishing work to repair and replace shingles and window trim, and then paint the exterior.