Brothers Marketplace - Waltham: A Unique Blend of Local Culture and Convenience

A Complete Store Design by BHDP Architecture

The design team at BHDP Architecture took inspiration from the neighborhood of Waltham, immersing themselves in its culture, heritage, and demographics. A tour of the area provided valuable insights that were incorporated into the design. Historical photos collected from the local historical society adorn the walls, showcasing the rich history of the neighborhood. The top hat, a nod to Waltham's annual steampunk festival, adds a touch of whimsy to the space. And hidden throughout the store is Waltham's resident YouTube star, Sockington the cat, adding a playful element to the design.

One of the key strengths of this design is its emphasis on being local. The store is a collection of prepared foods, meats, produce, and baked goods, all sourced from local suppliers. The mural content, designed by the project team and completed by a local mural artist, further reinforces the connection to the community.

Utilizing their proprietary design process, BHDP Architecture worked closely with the client to understand their strategic business goals. The goal was to develop a small format prototype that would have a strong downtown presence in a bedroom community. Using tools such as Google SketchUp, the design was visualized and continually adapted to align with the client's goals.

From a technical standpoint, the design team faced several challenges. The exposed plumbing and piping from the residential units above posed an issue for the open ceiling concept. However, through collaboration with the landlord, acoustical insulation was provided to address this concern. Additionally, the developer limited the exterior signage, so the team introduced the brand color through furniture and banners. To further promote the brand, a food cart was developed to be used at a nearby park.

Brothers Marketplace - Waltham opened its doors in May 2018 after a 12-month design and construction process. The design has been recognized for its excellence, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2019. This award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements.

Brothers Marketplace - Waltham is not just a grocery store; it is a reflection of the vibrant community it serves. With its unique blend of local culture and convenience, it has become a gathering place for residents to connect, shop, and dine.