Washington Street after it’s $5.7 Million renovation
Throughout the city of Boston there are countless
historical properties. It is these significant addresses that have
been so purely preserved throughout the years that make this city
one of the most beautiful. The architectural brilliance that gains
its influence from countries near and far and from times long ago
is what make living in the Hub so special and unique. So while
there are so many worthy buildings that deserve praise, it was the
Eustis Street Fire House in Roxburys Dudley Square in addition to
the Hayden Building on Washington Street in Chinatown that have
just won a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
designation for sustainability from the U.S. Green Building
Council.
The 1859 Eustis Street Fire House is one of the oldest
in the country and has been Historic Bostons headquarters in 2011.
Initially used to store fire apparatus, a stable was later added to
the rear of the building for horses that would pull the hook and
ladder equipment. Thereafter, the facility was used as a Spanish
American War Veteran post. After being vacant for over fifty years,
a $2.5 Million renovation by HBI included replacing the previous
wood frame, and creating spectacular office spaces for Historic
Boston and one other tenant. Overall, the efforts have been
completed to such a level that a LEED designation seemed inevitable
and is truly greatly deserved.
The other building, Bostons Hayden Building at 681-687
Washington Street in Chinatown has won a LEED Platinum designation.
This, it must be noted, is the highest possible rating awarded by
the U.S. Green Building Council. The property represents the last
surviving H.H. Richardson commercial building, and was purchased by
Historic Boston in 1993 to then spend roughly $5.7 Million over two
decades to bring it to the superior level it is in today. From
structural problems, to the necessity to restore brownstone
exterior, renovating the interior into apartments and ground floor
retail and more, the finished project is indeed something
magnificent.
Our most sincere congratulations go out to the owners and all of
those responsible with bringing these properties to the outstanding
state they are in today. It is because of these tactical
preservation efforts that our city of Boston will forever live on
as one that continues to stand the test of time and help lead the
way for Green energy and environmental design.
More Information: Boston Business
Journal