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Finegold Alexander’s Historic Preservation of Boston’s Lower Basin Barracks Receives 2024 Preservation Massachusetts Award

The visionary adaptive reuse project is honored with a 2024 Paul & Niki Tsongas Award for preservation excellence.

Lower Basin Barracks exterior
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June 4, 2024
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Finegold Alexander is pleased to announce Lower Basin Barracks project has received 2024 Preservation Massachusetts Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards. The annual awards program honors projects that display the highest level of commitment to historic preservation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

This ambitious project revitalized the Charles River Lower Locks gatehouse, preserving its rich history while optimizing the site for public use. Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), the Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the broader public, underscored the project's inclusive, community-focused approach.

Designed by architect Guy Lowell in 1908, the gatehouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The project team led a remarkable rejuvenation, demonstrating Finegold Alexander's dedication to historic preservation through meticulous restoration methods, thoughtful material selection, and special design considerations.

The expansion features a public lobby that integrates with the historic façade, offering access to public restrooms and a versatile community/conference room. Preserved exterior masonry door openings now connect the new addition to the original building, showcasing photography of the historic structure. Additionally, the original cast iron Charles River Basin (CRB) transom grilles were restored to their original condition.

Click here to learn more about Lower Basin Barracks!