Pocket Neighborhood: Castle Street Cottages on Rope Walk Hill

Situated on a hill looking out to the harbor and up to the main street to the west, the cottages draw their inspiration from both the workers’ cottages and the grander homes of the district. They represent an appropriate, but extremely creative solution to the challenge of situating a multi-unit project in an historic neighborhood of single-family cottages.

Added to the intrinsic efficiency of compact units, and a relatively high density, the inclusion of two units deed-restricted to people with low and moderate incomes ensures this is affordable to many. The most prominent theme of the site design are the grand steps that lead up to the shared courtyard. These steps solve the grade issue while providing a fitting and impressive address on Castle Street for this pocket neighborhood. Contrasted with the monumental scale of the steps is the intimate scale of the cottages and the courtyard they share. The outdoor kitchen, gathering spaces, and front porches of the highly efficient homes make a place where neighborliness is not taken for granted.