Johnston Parris Loft

Parris Landing, Charlestown Navy Yard MA ,

R. Caruso , design & construction

The Parris Landing loft complex located in the Charlestown Navy Yard was originally built as a bomb making factory to support the WWII war effort. It was divided into condominium loft spaces in the 1970’s and renovated again in the early 2000’s. The interior design is for an internationally ranked ballroom dancer for whom I had renovated two dance studios. The challenge was to install a large master bath without loosing the open loft feel. It is a place for post ballroom competition parties as well as a place to live. The loft occupies two top levels including a roof deck with expansive views of Boston Harbor. Having known the owner for many years, I had an understanding of his adventurous and playful style. The master bath is enclosed in a sculptural wall of red brick salvaged from door opening, frosted plexiglass and aluminum. The interior was stripped of all surfaces to expose the original brick walls and coffered concrete ceiling. The curved shape of the brick bath enclosure is taken from a Picasso reclining nude painting hanging in the Paris Picasso Museum.