The brookline center for community mental health.
brookline, ma

The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health (BCCMH) provides affordable mental health care and community-based social services to individuals and families. Located in a historic brownstone that was only partially accessible, BCCMH hired studioMLA Architects to conduct a feasibility study and then a renovation to improve functionality and user experience on a limited budget with relatively limited strategic interventions.

Through building analyses and a series of focus groups with multiple user groups, including clinicians, administrators, staff, and Board members, the studioMLA team identified the building’s challenges and areas for improvement, internally and externally. The BCCMH staff did not have enough clinical space for the current number of patients. There was no consistency from one clinical room to the next, and the staff lacked their own quality space. Several themes emerged, including accessibility, order, and predictability, and maximizing the usability of spaces.

With the challenges identified, studioMLA created three simultaneous design options with varying degrees of intervention, from cosmetic upgrades to a full building addition, and presented the options to the Board. The Board selected the option that focused on high-priority upgrades with incremental improvements to lighting, acoustics, circulation, storage, and accessibility. studioMLA completed interior renovations, exterior ramp, and phase 1 of the landscape design in January 2021. In July 2024, Phase 2 of the landscape design was completed. Our goal was to create a beautiful, healing space for outdoor therapy sessions. Despite challenges like a 7’ elevation change, an unstable brick wall, and privacy concerns, we crafted a fully accessible green oasis. The garden now offers semi-private therapy nooks, a space for children, a play court, and a serene spot for staff to relax and enjoy lunch. It’s a space where thoughtful design truly supports healing and well-being.

Services Provided

Architecture and Landscape Architecture, from Programming through Construction Administration.

*Project completed as studioMLA Architects prior to acquisition by Ashley McGraw Architects