The Preservation Achievement Awards honor outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in Boston. Celebrated for their positive impact on the city’s built environment, winning projects such The Lenox Hotel, Fenway Park, The Boston Athenaeum, Trinity Church, The Liberty Hotel, The Paramount Center, Atlantic Wharf, and The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.as are looked upon as models for future preservation work.
The year’s recipients are different from before; only one residential property is honored and the organization honors a website, Backbayhouses.org, for providing histories in the houses in the Back Bay. Award winners include The Clapp Family barn, First Parish Church, North Bennet Street School in North End, Fort Hill tower, Liberty Mutual, 161 Commonwealth Ave., Maverick Market in East Boston, Walgreen in Downtown crossing, and LogMeln Corporate headquarters in Watertown.
The Clapp Family barn and the First Parish Church in Dorchester are bestowed the prize for their amazing restoration work that not only preserves their 19th century appearance but also enables the continuation of their use. The restoration of the two provides a snapshot of the past.
Build in 1873, 161 Commonwealth Ave is a limestone townhouse which will also receive the award for its elegant and iconic 19th century design. This Back Bay four story main façade offers a stepped mansard roof. “Its clean lines express its modern construction without detracting from the historic character of this unique setting” said Galer, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance.
161 Commonwealth Ave in 1873/ Now
Work cited:
p.7, Boston homes August 30-Septemnbert 5 2014