Interior Historic Rehabilitation
Newton, Massachusetts

Challenge
Preservation Services, Inc. was retained by the client to design/build a new master suite as well as cure long-standing deferred maintenance issues. In a congenial give-and-take relationship, the historic preservation firm helped identify issues; understand the project’s impacts on the clients’ daily lives; prioritize a strategic plan; and pursue and complete the implementation. 

A set of as-built, schematic and construction drawings were developed in collaboration with  the clients’ need to solve aesthetic concerns, balanced against technical and building code issues in a manner that was feasible, occupant friendly and cost-effective The short term construction time minimized the intrusive nature of an historic rehabilitation 

Site
Located in the Newton Corner neighborhood, the existing Queen Anne retained much original architectural scale, massing, materials and texture.

Solution
Preservation Services, Inc. and artisans under their direction executed a sensitive series of repairs to the existing historic fabric. First floor interior woodwork and masonry was  selectively cleaned, repaired and rehabilitated with newly applied finishes.

The second floor held several bedrooms with only 1- 1/2 bathrooms. The client’s major goal was to combine two bedrooms and create a separate master suite with bedroom and a self- contained master bathroom – along with a transitional dressing / reading area. Note replacement of the horizontal door panels with glazing for tiled shower and toilet area. Historic reproduction pedestal lavatories were located in  this area with a view out the east (morning) windows. 

Another critical goal was easily-accessible storage for personal clothes and possessions within this suite. A new custom closet system created in the west wall is historically compatible with the Queen Anne house.

Accomplishment
The project met client’s goals, needs and wants in a manner visually vibrant, yet sensitive and appropriate to the historical and cultural context. Premium materials and systems used will mean long term performance, durability and overall added value to the client’s life style and real property alike.

• Additional studies are in preparation....

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