On May 4th, Erland Construction, Springfield College, and Stephen Jablonski Architects were all honored with Paul E. Tsongas awards from the Preservation Massachusetts organization at its 2011 ceremony at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. The firms were singled out for their work on the Stitzer YMCA restoration project at Springfield College. This award recognizes those who have played a role in promoting the preservation of the Commonwealth's past for the benefit of the future.
Erland teamed with Stephen Jablonski Architects to renovate Judd Gymnasia - the oldest building on the Springfield College campus - which yielded the Stitzer YMCA Center. This adaptive reuse focused on restoring the 1894 campus landmark. Over time, the building had been renovated and changed to accommodate various needs. For this project, Erland was charged with bringing the building back to life, revitalizing and emphasizing its original beauty by uncovering its large arched windows and vaulted ceilings. The 39,350 s/f building now includes the College's Office of YMCA Relations, YMCA program space, and the YMCA Hall of Fame. A new Springfield College museum and the college archives, along with new student activity space, are housed in this renovated building.
This project is the third time Erland has worked on the Springfield campus.
"We are extremely excited to honor the work and dedication these educational institutions have made to their historic buildings, their communities and their students," said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Mass. "These projects are models for others within the state of Massachusetts and beyond."