The goal of this project was to provide a gathering place for Boston University’s more than 300,000 graduates that would put them right at the heart of the Charles River campus.
This adaptive reuse of a historic Tudor-Victorian mansion required a complete exterior restoration, the installation of a new commercial kitchen and HVAC system, and an extensive expansion of the BU Pub.
To preserve the so-called “Castle’s” load-bearing sandstone masonry, which had a highly variable ashlar pattern, the project team, led by Finegold Alexander Architects and Suffolk Construction, salvaged, cut, and matched existing stone to replace damaged stone, reducing the need for new building material.
The wood roof didn’t meet seismic codes. The project team anchored the roof to the existing masonry and blew insulation into the rafter cavities to provide a structural diaphragm for venting below the new slate.
A big part of the project involved protecting interior finishes. Existing wood windows were removed, numbered, taken offsite for restoration, and reinstalled.
HONORABLE MENTION
BUILDING TEAM Finegold Alexander Architects (submitting firm, architect) Boston University (owner/developer, CM) Thornton Tomasetti (SE) WSP (MEP) Suffolk Construction (GC) DETAILS 15,371 sf Total cost $11.4 million Construction time September 2017 to September 2018 Delivery method Design-bid-build
Related Stories
Reconstruction Awards | Jan 6, 2021
University of Pennsylvania’s Stemmler Hall forgoes retrofit in favor of complete renovation
The Edward J. Stemmler Hall project has won a Bronze Award in BD+C’s 2020 Reconstruction Awards.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 29, 2020
The reenvisioned Sazerac House: A delectable cocktail that's just perfect for the Big Easy
The 51,987-sf Sazerac House is an interactive cocktail museum, active distillery, corporate headquarters, and event venue, all under one roof, next to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 18, 2020
Can converting a landmark office to a clinic raise up a downtrodden Philadelphia neighborhood?
BD+C’s Reconstruction Awards recognize the adaptive reuse of the Kensington Trust building.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 18, 2020
Spokane Riverfront Park U.S. Pavilion project creates a refreshed gathering place in Spokane
The project has won a Bronze Award in BD+C's 2020 Reconstruction Awards.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 16, 2020
Voters resuscitate an abandoned high school in northern California
A 2014 bond issue provided financing to seismically stabilize and modernize Historic Alameda High School, a 2020 Silver Reconstruction Award winner.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 14, 2020
Wyoming Capitol Square renovation project is all about the details
The Wyoming Capitol Square project has won a Gold Award in BD+C's 2020 Reconstruction Awards.
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 12, 2020
A famed dome of a historic glasshouse is revived to its rightful glory
Scaffolding played a critical role in the repair and restoration of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s Palm Dome at the New York Botanical Gardens, a Gold winner of BD&C’s 2020 Reconstruction Awards
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 8, 2020
A synagogue in Toronto is renewed while preserving its history
Holy Blossom Temple is a Platinum winner in BD+C’s 2020 Reconstruction Awards.
