Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dana Building Transformation

BOSTON, MA

The Dana Building Transformation adapted an existing parking garage into a public commons and clinical workplace. This project dramatically transformed the character of the building and created a new hub for Dana-Farber physicians, researchers, visitors to its outpatient clinics, and the greater medical community.

View of the Dana Building from the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care

This project was the latest phase of a multi-year backfill planning and implementation effort to adapt and reuse available space in the context of Dana-Farber's expansive program growth and associated space needs after completion of the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. Our adaptive reuse of three levels of a parking garage at the base of the 1975 Dana Building created new clinical offices, lounge and interactive gallery areas. The reclaimed spaces with the adjacent Yawkey Center for Cancer Care create a more unified campus and better align with Dana-Farber's spirit of collaboration, innovation and compassionate care.

At street level, what was previously the entrance to a parking structure is now a welcoming commons. Terracotta panels replace the existing concrete spandrels and new glazing reveals the renovated lobby, coffee bar, artwork and interactive displays that showcase research. Located adjacent to a busy bus stop, the ground level commons is a popular hub for researchers and visitors to the outpatient clinics and the greater medical community. The facility opened in 2014 and is LEED-Silver certified.