The Waterworks at Chestnut Hill receives award for adaptive reuse

The Waterworks at Chestnut Hill, former site of the Metropolitan Waterworks facilities, was recently honored by the Victorian Society of America (New England Chapter) for an award in Adaptive Reuse at the Society's 36th Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony, which was hosted at The Waterworks. EA Fish Associates, owner and master developer of The Waterworks, partnered with architectural firm GUND Partnership and renowned historic preservationists Building Conservation Associates, Inc., to ensure that the historic and landmark elements of the site remained intact while developing luxury residential condos in the historic buildings. Included in this effort was the restoration of the three existing structures which were constructed between 1890 and 1901. The Chestnut Hill Waterworks complex, noted by the Boston Landmarks Association as being among the most significant water delivery complexes within the Metropolitan Water System, marked the connection between the supply (The Lawrence Basin and The Bradlee Basin) and the distribution to the city of Boston. The three historic steam engines which powered the pumps have also been preserved and will be the main attraction of The Waterworks Museum which is scheduled to open to the public in 2009 adjacent to the award-winning Museum Residences. In addition to the award from the Victorian Society of America, EA Fish Associates, along with DiMella Shaffer Associates who designed the new residential building that was added to the site, together with the entire development team, were recognized by the Boston Landmarks Commission for "exceptional care taken during its planning and construction."