Preservation Mass.’ Menino Legacy Award goes to The Dimock Center - built by Timberline Construction; designed by Platt Anderson Freeman Arch.

Boston, MA According to Platt Anderson Freeman Architects, the Sewall Building at the Dimock Center has been awarded a Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award. Presented by Preservation Mass., the Menino Legacy Award recognizes “preservation projects that are transformative, catalytic, embrace the community, create partnerships and revitalize the best of the past to make something good for the future.”

Platt Anderson Freeman has worked closely with Dimock since the project’s inception in 2012, starting with programming and design, and continuing through to the completion of construction in 2018.

Built by Timberline Construction of Canton, the Dr. Lucy Sewall Center for Acute Treatment Services provides addiction recovery services for men and women throughout the Commonwealth.

“Patients feel, through the beauty of the lobby, meeting spaces and patient rooms, that they matter: they deserve to have outstanding care in a state-of-the-art facility that celebrates its history while providing cutting-edge, evidence-based care,” said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of The Dimock Center.

“Preserving this wonderful building rather than building new creates an atmosphere of stability and a tradition of success that is appreciated by both staff and patients,” said John Freeman, principal of Platt Anderson Freeman Architects, “We were able to incorporate features from the historic building that could not have been included in a new facility.”

The new facility increases the Dimock Center’s capacity to provide more men and women annually with life-saving care. It included residential double occupancy units, open nurses’ stations, integrated case management offices, a multipurpose community room and integrated security. Following this 15-month capital project, the Sewall Center opened in April 2018. Patients, families, staff and visitors to the building witness its beauty from the moment they enter the lobby. They see the original plaque of the building, recognizing Dr. Lucy Sewall, one of The Dimock Center’s pioneers. And they feel a sense of calm and serenity because of the colors, furnishings and facets. 

Mayor Menino was a staunch supporter of community health centers. He believed in and supported Dimock’s commitment to uplifting and empowering the community. The Sewall Building from its inception has been dedicated to the health and welfare of those most in need. The Dimock Center is honored to be presented with this award and believes that the Sewall Building will continue to be a testament to the legacy of mayor Menino.