The Architectural Team partners Robert Verrier, FAIA, cofounding/managing principal, and Michael Binette, AIA, principal, received the 2013 Paul E. Tsongas Award from the nonprofit advocacy group Preservation Massachusetts. Selected for their award-winning work promoting and sustaining the preservation of historically significant buildings for more than 40 years, the firm's principals devote a significant portion of the firm's efforts to preservation projects, making it a primary area of The Architectural Team's expertise and specialization.
With more than 150 historic preservation developments in their portfolio, Verrier and Binette have earned a place among other prestigious development firms, notable architecture firms, legal teams and construction companies being honored this year for contributions to safeguarding the unique character of landmark buildings throughout Massachusetts.
The awards program, named after the late Mass. senator Paul Tsongas, took place May 1, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. This year's awards mark the beginning of a three-year thematic program honoring "the people behind the scenes, who truly make historic preservation projects happen," said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts.
Newly renamed Loft Five50, the converted Malden Mills combines high quality, affordable living with a culturally significant setting, and preserves the unique character of the brick mills that has become so integral to New England's heritage.
Other award winning preservation efforts by the firm includes:
* Baker Chocolate Factory, in Dorchester Lower Mills, consisting of three phases over the past 27 years and including Baker Lofts and Watermill Lofts (Keen Development; Beacon Development; WinnDevelopment)
* Rice Silk Mill, Pittsfield (Rees-Larkin Development)
* Linwood Mill, Northbridge (EA Fish Development)
* Franklin Sq. House, Boston (State Street Development, Preservation of Affordable Housing)
* Kenmore Abbey, Boston (State Street Development, Preservation of Affordable Housing)
* Apartments at Boott Mills, Lowell (WinnDevelopment)
* The Hayes at Railroad Square, Haverhill (Planning Office of Urban Affairs)
* Oliver Lofts, Roxbury. (WinnDevelopment).
"We are extremely excited to recognize the work of these individuals and firms over the next three years" said Igoe.
"The unwavering dedication, expertise and collaborative effort put into preserving our historic buildings are remarkable. Our intent is to pay tribute to the people that make preservation a reality here in Massachusetts and celebrate the many buildings that create the historic fabric of America."
Bringing more than four decades of experience to bear, The Architectural Team strives for more than mere preservation, adapting derelict structures such as abandoned mills, factories, hospitals and schools to new uses, creating catalysts in many cases for neighborhood rejuvenation and revitalization. Symbolic of local pride for the surrounding communities, these historic buildings undergo extensive adaptive construction and reprogramming, while retaining their architectural significance and character.
"We believe in finding new life for these distinctive historic structures," said Verrier. "The abandoned and long-shuttered buildings along our waterways, city streets and town centers are worth preserving not only for their beauty and character, but also for their value as desirable, usable and inspired spaces."
The resulting innovative transformations restore the buildings and adjacent campuses to full utility as vibrant new multifamily, senior housing, assisted living, intergenerational community centers, and mixed-use properties. The preserved properties become central once again to the communities, and demonstrate the ways in which our past can shape our future.
Verrier said, "We're honored that Preservation Massachusetts has selected us for this prestigious award, and we're proud to be in such great company. The success of our firm is founded on the many long-standing collaborative relationships we've developed over the years. These committed partnerships, along with the receptivity of local communities, make the creative transformation of historic properties possible."
As a recent example, the firm's accomplishments include Malden Mills for long-time client Winn Development, an early 20th-century industrial campus in Lawrence, Mass., more recently home to Polartec! Fleece manufacturing, until a major fire forced the company to relocate in the mid-1990s. The Architectural Team's design solution included converting two surviving interconnected buildings into a stunning and sustainable mixed-income residential development.
"Preserving and converting these historic structures is not without its share of unique design challenges and financial hurdles," says Binette. "We strive to achieve the client's vision while preserving the architectural fabric that connects us to our common past. We have a team of extremely dedicated professionals that enable us to bring strategic and creative solutions to bear, empowering residents and enriching communities through thoughtful, pragmatic and innovative his