There Goes the Neighborhood

Most often than not, a new building project causes friction between an institution and its neighbors. Officials at Lesley University (Mass.) found a fair compromise with a group of active residents over plans for two new residential halls and adjoining retail space. They let the locals help with their design.
Called the neighborhood working group, seven citizens huddled with Lesley administrators and the architecture firm of Bruner/Cott over blueprints for several months to make certain the project met the standards of both sides.
In covering the progress, the Boston Globe reported some changes made to the original plans. The two buildings were to have a contemporary style, which neighbors felt was boxy and harsh, so officials gave way to a layered facade.
It is the first ground-up construction project for Lesley in three decades, hoped to be done by next September. So far, little grumbling was mentioned.