Shown (from left) are: construction manager Lisa Wexler of Elaine Construction; construction manager Andrew Bronstein of Elaine Construction; project architect Charlie Klee, AIA, of Payette; project architect Todd Sloane, AIA, of Payette; and professor Jonathan Walton | Harvard Memorial Church.

Newton, MA As Harvard University’s Class of 2016 crossed the threshold of their academic lives, it was time for Memorial Church to undergo its own transformation. Designed by University Architects, Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch, Abbott, and dedicated in 1932 on Armistice Day, the church had last undergone renovations more than 30 years before.

The ceremonial ground breaking, which took place on June 13, 2016, and was attended by university president Drew Faust, professor Jonathan Walton, plummer professor of Christian morals Patricia Harrington, director of finance & administration for the office of the president and provost Ed Jones, president of Elaine Construction Lisa Wexler, and Todd Sloane and Charlie Klee of Payette.  It marks the start of long-deferred building and infrastructure maintenance, including accessibility and safety compliance upgrades; a reconfigured lower level; and a new climate-control system to allow for improved use of the church year-round. In addition, the renovations will bring the church up to Harvard’s green building standards.

“Elaine Construction is honored to have been selected to team with Harvard University and Payette for the renovations and upgrades to such a significant, and central building to the Harvard community,” said Wexler.

The project is scheduled for completion before the new year.