|
When Harvard
University decided to renovate the Center for Government and
International Studies, the challenge was to preserve and to
revitalize these historic wood structures. Commodore, working with
Austin Architects and the Casali Group, honored the old
characteristics of these venerable Cambridge addresses, while
bringing the facilities up to current building codes and providing
modern-day office amenities.
Careful and
continuous coordination with the neighborhood planning group for the
two properties was required to ensure that local residents
experienced minimal disruption. Because the project was bid, there
was limited time for preconstruction efforts. This required the
field team to adapt and respond rapidly to long lead items and to
unforeseen building conditions. The majority of work on the 17
Sumner Road building was conducted on the exterior of the two-story
building, which required consultation with the Cambridge Historical
Commission. Mother Nature threatened and non-stop rain fell as fall
turned to winter. Every element of the exterior renovation was
carefully orchestrated to ensure that the project was completed on
time. Extensive measures were taken to minimize the amount of
weather-sensitive work completed on site. Wood was primed and
painted at the factory to maintain a controlled environment and
steady progress.
Major interior
renovations were specified as part of the 38 Kirkland Street project
scope. The three-floor building needed minimal exterior repair, but
a complete interior gut and build-out were required. The
installation of a new elevator met handicap accessible
requirements. A new HVAC system and piping installed throughout the
historic structure presented a significant challenge. The old wood
frames contained a few hidden surprises, including the entire third
floor of 38 Kirkland Street that had to be reframed. To preserve the
historic characteristics of the building, selective removal and
reinstallation of existing components took place. Unique moldings
and trims, no longer manufactured, had to be recreated.
Commodore and
the project team successfully weathered the storms and historic
structures to complete the project on schedule. 17 Sumner Road and
38 Kirkland Street are once again assets to Harvard and the
surrounding community, the elegant historic exteriors barely
betraying the modern amenities inside. |
