Boston Preservation Alliance honors N.E. Conservatory Campus project

The Boston Preservation Alliance has named the New England Conservatory Campus, developed by the New England Conservatory, as a 2010 Preservation Achievement Award winner. The Awards, which are bestowed annually, honor outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in Boston. The New England Conservatory Campus is honored in the category of Exceptional Maintenance of a Historic Property. The New England Conservatory Campus renovation project concentrated on the exterior renovation of four buildings: Jordan Hall, 295 Huntington Ave., 241 St. Botolph St., and 33 Gainsborough St.. With three of the four buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, emphasis on historic preservation and sustainability was crucial. Throughout the project, planners worked closely with the Massachusetts Historical Commission in order to remain in compliance with Secretary of the Interior/National Park Service standards. Focusing on authenticity and sustainability, exterior materials were matched as closely as possible for color, texture and appearance. New stucco, terracotta, and marble were installed and all façade masonry joints were either cut and repointed or given new sealants. Energy-efficient options included the installation of a white roofing system on Jordan Hall, as well as the replacement of failed windows with either new wood windows or insulated aluminum windows to match the historic nature of the buildings. "We at NEC are thrilled to have been selected for this award by the Boston Preservation Alliance," said president Tony Woodcock. "Our renovation project has secured and beautified our buildings by preserving their historic character and by sensitively applying the most up-to-date environmental technology. This should enhance the comfort and functionality of NEC for our students, faculty, staff, and the public which attends our many performances." The design was led by Wessling Architects who worked in close collaboration with Leggat McCall Properties, Epsilon Associates, Tishman Construction, NER Construction Management Company, The Cheviot Corp. and DM Berg Consultants. Teamwork and coordination was in place every step of the way ensuring that the quality and integrity of the project was never compromised. "This project has brought these exceptional buildings to a high standard of renovation and reinforces the idea that good maintenance is good preservation," said Sarah Kelly, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. Founded in 1978, the Boston Preservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that protects and improves the quality of Boston's distinct architectural heritage. Through advocacy and education, the Alliance brings people and organizations together to influence the future of Boston's historic buildings, landscapes and communities. The Preservation Achievement Awards call attention to property owners and developers of exceptional preservation-related projects and celebrate their positive impact on Boston's built environment. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 21st at 5:30 p.m. at the Modern Theatre, 523 Washington St., Boston. For more information, visit www.bostonpreservation.org or call 617-367-2458.