As pioneers of the adaptive reuse movement, our unique lens on the past informs the now and the ever after. We are proud to continue this line of work in Beverly Massachusetts as we begin the process of renovating and restoring their historic City Hall building. Historically known as the Andrew Cabot House, the City Hall building located at 191 Cabot Street in downtown Beverly was constructed in 1793 and has served as the city’s principal municipal building since 1841.

Since it began serving as Beverly’s Town Hall in 1841 (later City Hall), the building has undergone numerous renovations. The first major renovation occurred when the building was converted from a residence to the Town Hall with a municipal office and community space. The building underwent additional renovations in 1874 when a mansard roof was added and again in 1933 when the mansard roof was removed, and the current flat roof was installed. These renovations, despite their dramatic impact on the building, each reflect a significant point in the building's history and contribute to its significance. Today, City Hall is located at the center of the National Register-listed Beverly Center Historic District.

The City of Beverly has selected Finegold Alexander Architects to design repairs and improvements to Beverly City Hall. The project may also include the removal of the abutting police station buildingstoric, the construction of an addition to the City Hall building and potentially installing geothermal wells under the existing surface parking lot.

“We heard that the building is historic and they all want to honor it. We all want to honor the history of Beverly. But it has to be a new, transformed modern space.” – Lara Pfadt, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC

The Beverly City Hall project is a great example of how careful consideration and thought must go into the design of these unique projects. There are many key factors to consider when working with a hi building that ranges from maintaining the historic significance and charm to modernizing the structure and functional aspects of the building. It is no easy feat! However, where others see obstacles, we look through them, removing perceived barriers and finding opportunities to shape the future while honoring the past. We deeply appreciate historic preservation and are thrilled to continue our work in Beverly, Massachusetts.

Head on over to The Salem News to find the latest update on our Beverly City Hall project!