News: Construction Design & Engineering
Posted: June 21, 2024
Finegold Alexander Architects receives two 2024 Preservation Massachusetts Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards
Boston, MA According to Finegold Alexander Architects, the Lower Basin Barracks and The First Church of Christ, Scientist projects have received 2024 Preservation Massachusetts Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards. The annual awards program honors projects that display the highest level of commitment to historic preservation in the state.
The Lower Basin Barracks, a 15,000 s/f renovation and addition project, revitalized an undersized 1908 facility in significant disrepair to support the State Police with current and future mission requirements. Preserving the historic fabric of the building, Finegold Alexander modernized the existing structure and created additional space for the consolidation of the state police troops and closure of the Upper Basin Barracks. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, this landmark underwent a renovation, showcasing the firm’s dedication to historical authenticity. Finegold Alexander restored the exterior masonry and preserved the original elements despite the complex programmatic needs of a police station. The Charles River Basin transom grilles, roof profile, and detailed wood window frames, were all preserved. The iconic tower, a Charles River landmark, with its copper bays, was retained and restored.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist - The Mother Church sits at the center of the Christian Science Center Plaza, the largest privately owned, publicly accessible open space in the city. This iconic building is comprised of two structures constructed at different times: the Romanesque Revival The Mother Church Original (TMCO) designed by Franklin Welch and completed in 1894; and the larger Neoclassical domed edifice, The Mother Church Extension (TMCX) designed by Charles Brigham & Charles Covery and Solon Beman of Chicago, completed in 1906.
The 192,000 s/f limestone, granite, and terra cotta structure required both exterior and interior restoration, including the ornate dome that sits 200 ft. above grade and the build of the original Guastavino semi-domes. The semi-dome required a custom stainless steel cable system supporting a terra cotta rain screen. The multi-phased project spanned over eight years and added 100+ years to the building’s life.
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) was the building envelope and structural engineer for the restoration of the building exterior, while Finegold Alexander Architects served as the architect for the interior restoration work. Shawmut Design and Construction served as the construction manager, tasked with implementing the preservation work to restore the building to its original vision while leaving behind no trace of the extensive work that was completed.
“Our firm is passionate about our historic preservation work, and it has been an honor to work with The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and our collaborative team of experts to restore and preserve one of Boston’s most iconic historic structures,” said Finegold Alexander Principal Regan Shields Ives.
As experts in historic preservation, this recognition stands as a tribute to Finegold Alexander’s remarkable ability to preserve and celebrate historic architecture to best serve local communities.
MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering
Construction Design & Engineering
Weston & Sampson earns award from ACEC for Arlington DPW job
Arlington, MA Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 58th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA). The award comes for leading the renovation of the Arlington Department of Public Works (DPW) facility.
.png)
Columns and Thought Leadership
State legislature ends session without passing PLA bill - by Joe Camilo
Massachusetts taxpayers dodged a bullet when the state Senate didn’t take up legislation passed by the House in the waning moments of the legislative session that would have made it easier for municipalities and state agencies to use union-only project labor agreements (PLAs) on construction projects.
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?
The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder
When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
Ask the Electrician: How do I prepare my commercial building for a disaster?
New England’s notorious weather – from fierce winter storms to summer squalls and fall hurricanes – can leave businesses in the dark. While power outages are often blamed on storms, they can also be caused by unforeseen events like accidents or construction mishaps. While it’s impossible to prevent disasters and power outages entirely, proactive preparation can significantly minimize their impact on your commercial building.
