We are on our third five-year house doctor contract with the DCR (MA Department of Conservation & Recreation) and have successfully completed a wide range of projects, including:
- Bernie King Pavilion (Hull, MA)
Facility study, design documents, and construction administration services for structural upgrades and the re-painting of the existing 10,000 SF outdoor pavilion located adjacent to Nantasket Beach. - Murray Bathhouse Acoustics & Cladding Study (Nantasket Beach – Hull, MA)
Facility study/acoustical analysis of the existing 1,000-SF central hall for a future three-season function facility. And exterior cladding replacement study. - Scusset Beach State Reservation Garage (Sandwich, MA)
Renovations and additions to beach garage.



- Building 45, Hingham Shipyard (Hingham, MA)
Rehabilitation of an existing 21,200 SF boat repair and administrative facility. Phase 1 scope includes the repair and replacement of the exterior skin including new windows, enlarged overhead doors, a new rain-screen exterior skin on the upper level, and large-scale painted branding imaging on various sides of the building (which is located alongside the commuter boat ramp at the Hingham Shipyard). - Powder Magazine (Cambridge, MA)
Interior rehabilitation for a three-season function facility. Specific scope of work included the re-pointing of the existing interior stone walls, new / restored finishes throughout, new public toilet rooms, new food catering facility infrastructure, and new mechanical / plumbing / electrical / lighting / fire alarm systems. - Randolph Avenue Stable (Milton, MA)
Study to develop schematic rehabilitation plans, site designs and cost estimates to better understand the range of feasible options to preserve and reuse the historically significant stable. - Historic CCC Cabins (Savoy Mountain State Forest in Savoy & Florida, MA, and Mohawk State Forest in Charlemont, MA)
During the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (1934 – 1942) to provide jobs and to improve forest and recreational resources. They built rustic cabins all over the country and many were in Massachusetts. There are only 6 left here and we are honored to restore them.




“The Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) has worked with Johnson Roberts Associates (JRA) on several projects through our house doctor/on call contract. Projects have ranged from studies, building assessments, design, and construction services. Some of the DCR buildings that JRA has worked on include Building 45 (DCR’s Island District Headquarters), the Bernie King Pavilion and Mary Janette Murray Bathhouse at Nantasket Beach, and the Powder Magazine.
Across the varied array of projects, we have found JRA to be professional, efficient, and thoughtful about public buildings. They understand the agency’s challenges with vandalism and maintenance and factor this into their designs. The bullets below summarize JRA’s strong points:
- Timely turnaround with meeting minutes, design submittals, meeting milestones, submittals, RFIs, SKs, ASIs and CO review
- Good follow up when DCR wants to research different products, very responsive with relevant and technical information
- Ability to work well with both contractors and the client (DCR)
- Offer creative solutions and direct contractor and client in the field to problem solve and realize cost savings
- Ability to meet challenging deadlines and work with a 24/7 park agency
Overall JRA has demonstrated their ability to tackle complex assignments to produce high quality results — whether it’s a rehabilitation of one of our many historic park buildings or updating an existing facility to improve functionality and aesthetics. DCR welcomes the opportunity to work with JRA on future DCR projects.”
Robin Pfetsch, Director
DCR, Architecture Section
