Curtis Construction’s work on Bishop Allen Apartments receives Preservation Award

Cambridge, MA Bishop Allen Apartments were awarded preservation recognition because of the project team’s painstaking careful attention to historic detail throughout the process.

The renovation presented significant design challenges relating to historic preservation. Just-A-Start, Winslow Architects, and Curtis Construction teamed to design and build creative solutions.

Bishop Allen Apartments before renovation.

Bishop Allen Apartments after renovation.

Key accomplishments are the establishment of a new fire sprinkler system throughout each unit where previously there had been none, upgraded fire alarm systems, conversion of selected apartments to ADA handicap accessibility, abatement of lead paint and asbestos, new energy efficient boilers, thermal insulation upgrades as well as new kitchens and baths.

Just-A-Start engaged Curtis Construction for the renovation of 27 three-bedroom, and 5 two-bedroom affordable housing units in the Central Sq. neighborhood, at the intersection of Bishop Allen Dr. and Norfolk St..

The 32 apartments in four buildings were originally built in the 1880s and were renovated keeping the original architecture. The renovation’s design was provided by Winslow Architects of Arlington, Mass.

The project included energy efficient windows and new insulation, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, new flooring, and a high efficiency boiler.

Restoring these historical buildings to their original architectural design comprised of new doors, the de-leading of old painted surfaces and new paint, the removal of vinyl siding and the restoration of the architectural details of the historic buildings.

Architect John Winslow said, “If ever there was a good example of how a restoration uplifted a neighborhood, this is it. I am proud to have been a part of this team.”

Curtis Construction would like to acknowledge and thank the project team for its support of the efforts to responsibly restore these buildings.

Project Team: • Owner: Just-A-Start Corp.; • Funding: DHCD (LIHTC, State Historic tax credits), City of Cambridge (Affordable Housing Trust, Historic Commission), Boston Private Bank, MHIC, Mass Development, Mass Historical Commission & Commerce Insurance as the purchasers of the state credits, Brookline Bank, CEDAC, HomeFunders, CHA; • Architectural and construction team: Winslow Architects; Curtis Construction Co.; SB Carpentry – Norton, MA; New Color Painting,  Somerville, MA; Olde Bostonian, Boston, MA; Jeld-Wen, Charlotte, NC; Simpson Door Company, McCleary, WA; • Property manager: Maloney Properties.