The former Boston Elevated Railway Substation’s before renovation. 

By Marian Berkowitz

School Street is familiar to many residents as it is well-traversed, connecting the Winter Hill, Central Hill, and Union Square neighborhoods. It’s a typical densely developed residential street, until you come down the hill and approach Summer Street. On the right corner of Avon Street, there is an old utility brick building. As a Union Square resident I have regularly gone past this abandoned building and always wondered about its former purpose. This past year I noticed with excitement that someone had brought it back to life.

I learned that it’s the former Boston Elevated Railway Substation built in the 1920’s Classic Revival style. Neighbors considered it to be an eyesore because it was in disuse for over 50 years. When the MBTA finally offered it for sale, a local architect, Sebastian Marascal, who likes old, brick utility buildings, decided to purchase it in 2016. He reported that “they would not even let me see the inside but required me to buy it first, perhaps because it was considered so unsafe.” Sebastian, however, did not object.

After taking ownership, and going inside for the first time, he thought, despite its terrible condition, it was beautiful! A large skylight window was shattered and the old machinery from the plant remained. Sebastian nonetheless saw its potential and wanted to take advantage of the dramatic interior that was entirely open and approximately three stories high with a steel bridge, possibly used in the past to move machinery.

In his renovation plans, he decided to retain all of the openness of the massive space. Walnut wood panels warm the interior and the interior walls of the residences are only 7 feet high, enabling one to still look above. The steel bridge now connects two bedrooms. Sebastian describes his work as a “collaboration” with the building. He wanted to respect the original and minimize the impact of restoration work, while still creating very inviting and livable space. The old machinery was removed except for a piece left outside as a sculptural piece to represent and pay homage to the building’s past.

As part of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission’s annual Ceremony for Preservation Month, Sebastian received a 2019 Director’s Award at the Somerville Armory for his distinctive work and tribute to Somerville’s past.

The former Boston Elevated Railway Substation’s after renovation.