Project type: Adaptive Reuse, Renovation, or Historic Preservation
Honor
William D. Smith Memorial Commendation
Project name: The First Church of Christ, Scientist – The Mother Church Preservation and Restoration project
Project overview: This eight-year, multi-phased project preserved and restored a 192,000-SF historic church comprising two landmarked structures: The Mother Church Original (TMCO) edifice (1894) Romanesque Revival building and The Mother Church Extension (TMCX) edifice (1906) the larger Neoclassical domed building. Both had suffered from systemic water infiltration, aging infrastructure, and accessibility limitations.
The project intent was to address long-term building integrity while preserving original architectural character inside and out and to provide a welcoming and accessible entrance. Exterior work included the complete restoration of the Guastavino tile semi-domes, roofs, and facades. Innovative engineering solutions—such as a stainless-steel cable-supported terra cotta rainscreen—were employed to stabilize and protect historic assemblies. A deteriorated terra cotta cupola was replaced using precision digital modeling and fabrication.
Interior restoration carefully integrated new electrical and life safety systems within historic finishes. Work included a new, centrally located building entrance, adjacent elevator and accessible reader’s platform to welcome the public without compromising architectural integrity.
Constraints included maintaining building operations throughout construction; complex public approvals including the Boston Landmarks Commission; and the COVID-19 pandemic, which required schedule and sequencing adjustments.
The outcome is a watertight, code-compliant, and newly accessible historic building, restored to its original grandeur while prepared for the next century of use. The project demonstrates how innovative preservation techniques, thoughtful integration of modern systems, and coordinated team collaboration can extend the life of an active church and Boston landmark for generations to come.
Project location: Boston, Massachusetts
Firm name:Finegold Alexander Architects & Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Architect of Record:Lauren Hickey
Completion: 2024
Jury comments:A hugely technical renovation of a historic downtown church, demonstrating an extraordinary level of technical rigor, craftsmanship, and stewardship of two nationally significant historic structures. The team executed a thoughtful and careful restoration, starting with the envelope and phasing, integrating modern systems, a rain-screened system, and elegant ADA solutions that dramatically improved accessibility. Innovative engineering, meticulous detailing, and patient collaboration between client and architects result in a masterful preservation project and an impressive case study in historic preservation and public accessibility.
Images/Photographer(s):Raj Das Photography for both TMCX Interiors and Exteriors; Robert Benson Photograpy for TMCO interiors General Contractor:Shawmut Design and Construction Project or Construction Manager:Colliers International Specifications:Kalin Associates Structural:Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) for building exterior; Tripi Engineering Services for TMC Interior Refresh and Upgrades Mechanical:ARUP Electrical:ARUP Plumbing:ARUP Acoustics:Cavanaugh Tocci Associates Audio Visual:Cavanaugh Tocci Associates Interiors:Stefura Associates, Inc. Lighting:Lam Partners
Building Envelope: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
Geotechnical Engineering: SGH
Geotechnical Engineer Peer review: GEI Consultants, Inc.
Historic Preservation Resource Consultant: Ilene R. Tyler
Local Preservation Consultant: Building Conservation Associates
Stained Glass Consultant: Serpentino Stained Glass Studio
Cost Estimating: Vermeulens Cost Consultants; Faithful & Gould; Fennessy Consultants
