Utile and New Atlantic Development’s mixed-use apartment complex, Girard, has opened its doors to tenants. Named after American textile designer Alexander Girard, the 160-unit building is described by Boston Magazine’s Madeline Bilis as “a piece of 1950s eye candy, drawing from the aesthetics of famed furniture designers Eames, Knoll, and Nelson” in her article, This South End Apartment Complex Is Inspired by Midcentury Design.
Common spaces include thoughtfully curated furnishings that honor mid century design, a roof terrace with gas fire pit looking to panoramic views of Boston, and an open common area complete with a kitchen and library. Additionally, Girard hosts a gallery featuring a rotation of local artists to celebrate the South End SoWa district’s rich artist culture, a mission important to developer Peter Roth. He tells The Chelsea Record, “It’s a strong building and very respectful to its historic context, but there’s nothing historic about it. It’s strikingly contemporary . . . Our goal is to really share information about design, architecture, and the arts and build that into a community.”
