The Maine Historical Society and the project team of Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Swartz/Silver Architects, Inc., Becker Structural Engineers and Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture recently received a 2011 Maine Preservation Honor Award for Excellence in Historic Renovation for the restoration of the Brown Library and Longfellow Garden at the Maine Historical Society in Portland.
The Maine Preservation Honor Awards Program recognizes excellence in historic preservation and highlights the importance of rehabilitating historic Maine landmarks throughout the state. Recipients of the award include property owners, architects, contractors, and special craftsmen.
Incorporated in 1822 and located in downtown Portland, the Maine Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of Maine. In her 1901 will, Anne Longfellow Pierce, sister of 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, directed that a library be built on her property as a permanent home for the society. Designed by Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow, the library was opened in 1907, is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and contains one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of materials related to Maine history. The restoration of the building incorporated structural repairs, collections care and storage, fire and security systems, upgraded technology, and improved access and amenities for patrons. The project also included a 9,900 s/f expansion that provides a facility for the preservation of Maine's historical records.
The Longfellow Garden, a 20,000 s/f Colonial Revival garden created by landscape architect Myron Lamb in 1926, is located on what had once been the domestic farmyard for the Wadsworth Longfellow family and borders the length of the library building. Following preservation standards and the original design drawings, the building and design team worked with the City of Portland's Historic Review Committee to create a rehabilitation plan that preserved the character of the historic garden and allowed alterations for current use.
"We are delighted that the renovation of the Brown Library and Longfellow Garden has received the 2011 Maine Preservation Honor Award for Excellence in Historic Renovation. The project is a testament to the Maine Historical Society's commitment to the preservation of Maine's heritage and history of its people," said Matthew Tonello, area manager for Consigli's Maine operations.
Shown (from left) are: Richard D'Abate, Maine Historical Society; Matthew Tonello, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; Jeff Pelletier, Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture; Jon Triaficonte, Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc.; Paul Becker, Becker Structural Engineers; Jeremy Whitehouse, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; Jerry Dorval, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; Greg Paxton, Maine Preservation