Both the Lower Basin Barracks and The First Church of Christ, Scientist projects received 2024 Boston Preservation Alliance Preservation Awards

BOSTON, MA (August 16, 2024) – Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects is pleased to announce Lower Basin Barracks and The First Church of Christ, Scientist have received two 2024 Boston Preservation Alliance Preservation Awards. For the past 36 years, the Boston Preservation Alliance has recognized a selection of projects that aim to restore, upgrade, and preserve the vibrancy of Boston architecture.

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 of Boston. This iconic building is comprised of two structures built at different times: the Romanesque Revival The Mother Church Original (TMCO) designed by Franklin Welch, completed in 1894; and the larger Neoclassical domed edifice, The Mother Church Extension (TMCX) designed by Charles Brigham & Charles Covery of Boston and Solon Beman of Chicago, completed in 1906.

The 192,000 square foot limestone, granite, and terra cotta structure required both exterior and interior restoration, including the ornate dome that sits 200 feet 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.

“All historic places are special, but some are so unique and extravagant that their care requires an exceptional level of stewardship,” said Alison Frazee, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance. “The expertise, dedication, and resources committed to the restoration of the Mother Church are laudable, and ensure that this incredible historic resource will be treasured for decades to come.” 

“Our firm is honored to contribute to the preservation of such a landmark as The First Church of Christ, Scientist. Collaborating with our talented team of experts to restore one of Boston’s architectural treasures has been an immensely rewarding experience,” said Finegold Alexander Principal Regan Shields Ives.

Lower Basin Barracks, a 15,000 SF 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 Boston landmark underwent a remarkable renovation, showcasing the firm’s dedication to historical authenticity. Finegold Alexander meticulously 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 dramatic copper bays, was retained and restored.

“The Lower Basin Barracks project captures all elements of historic preservation,” said Frazee. “Through restoration of historic fabric, the addition of a sensitively-designed new structure, ‘green’ upgrades, and the re-introduction of public open space, this project represents the many ways that preservation benefits our communities and should be the default approach to development in a historic city like Boston.” 

“It is a privilege to be recognized for our work on the Lower Basin Barracks,” said Finegold Alexander Principal Ellen Anselone. “We are proud to have contributed to the restoration of this historic facility, ensuring it will continue to serve and enrich the Boston community for many years to come.”

This is not the first award Finegold Alexander Architects has accepted for their preservation efforts this year. Both projects were also recipients of the 2024 Preservation Massachusetts Paul & Niki Tsongas Award, which honors projects that have the highest level of commitment to historic preservation in Massachusetts.

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