HMFH Architects receives 2011 Preservation Achievement Award

HMFH Architects received a 2011 Preservation Achievement Award from the Boston Preservation Alliance for its work on the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School. The awards are bestowed annually to honor outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in the city. The Boston Renaissance Charter Public School has been honored in the category of Rehabilitation of a Historic Industrial Space. Located in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the original building was constructed between 1889 and 1923 and housed the operations of the American Tool & Manufacturing Company. Situated on a six acre campus, the academic complex is a mix of renovated buildings and new construction and is home to 1,100 pre-kindergarten to sixth grade students from ten city neighborhoods. HMFH's design for the school included the renovation of an existing, three-story mill building and warehouse, as well as a new 20,000 s/f addition that connects the two buildings. The mill building is now a classroom facility, and the warehouse building houses a gymnasium, cafeteria with performance platform, multimedia center, music classrooms and dance studios. The connecting addition contains a new administrative wing, kindergarten wing and support facilities. Led by HMFH Architects, Inc., the project team included Daedalus Projects, Inc., GLC Development Resources, Boston Redevelopment Authority, Suffolk Construction, Lim Consultants, Inc., Garcia Galuska DeSousa Consulting Engineers, Inc., Nitsch Engineering, Inc., Cavanaugh Tocci Associates, Inc., Halvorson Design Partnership, Inc., Colburn and Guyette, and Simpson Gumpertz & Heger. "The Boston Renaissance Charter Public School project is a perfect example of how Boston's historic industrial buildings can meet modern needs. We are excited to see this structure used for the benefit of education, while maintaining its historic integrity," said Sarah Kelly, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance, in a release announcing this year's winners. HMFH worked carefully to strike the proper balance of incorporating modern improvements while preserving original design elements. Many historically significant attributes of the old mill building were incorporated into the final design, including original masonry, columns, and heavy timber floors. Additionally, key trademark features such as the American Tool & Manufacturing sign, Boston red brick façade, and clerestory windows were preserved as a reminder of the building's industrial roots. "The students and faculty of the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School learn and collaborate in a modern environment while surrounded by the hallmarks of Boston's industrial past," said Pip Lewis, AIA, LEED AP, principal of HMFH. "HMFH is committed to finding new ways to re-purpose historic facilities for the common good, and we're pleased to share in this honor with the school and the residents of Hyde Park." The award ceremony will take place Thursday, October 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the Paramount Center, 559 Washington Street, Boston. About HMFH Architects In the four decades since its founding in 1969, HMFH Architects, Inc. has built opportunities for learning on a local, regional and national level. With its distinguished range of award-winning work from renovated urban buildings to new rural campuses, HMFH is recognized as a leader in the design of innovative learning environments. HMFH's work, noted for its user-centered design and energetic use of color, has been exhibited nationally. For more information, please visit www.hmfh.com.