2024 has been a year of partnerships and relationships. In this line of work, we never work alone – and this year, that was more apparent than ever. From working with municipalities to better understand their historic resources to guiding a Friends group to forge a future for a centuries-old meeting house, AHF is all about creating teams and sharing our expertise.
Here are a few highlights from our year of partnerships.
Worcester Memorial Auditorium, Worcester
Following a productive 2024, optimism is high for the Worcester Memorial Auditorium. In partnership with CSL International, we developed a comprehensive business plan that outlines a sustainable operating model for the building—no small feat. The City of Worcester has also committed to repairing the roof, safeguarding the building against further water damage. AHF is grateful for the $1 million grant from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which will help offset future electrical costs. Most importantly, the project is now closer to full revitalization than at any point in the past 25 years, with expectations that 2025 will mark a significant step forward.
Russell School, Hadley
AHF partnered with Berkshire-based design/build firm Allegrone Companies on a feasibility study for the reuse of the Town of Hadley’s historic Russell School. Built in 1894 and part of the town’s historic town center, Russell School has been empty and unused for over a decade. The Town has hired our firms to evaluate possible reuse options, allowing for a more effective decision-making framework about how to move forward with this town-owned property.
Wright and Jim’s House of Shoes buildings, Pittsfield
AHF has assisted Allegrone Companies with the redevelopment of the Wright Building in downtown Pittsfield over a number of years. The project, which consists of the rehabilitation and expansion of two vacant downtown buildings in walking distance to Pittsfield’s train station, reactivates this long-dormant block.
2024 marks a big step forward for the project: Allegrone Companies received another state HTC allocation, an Underutilized Properties Program (UPP) grant from MassDevelopment, and successfully unlocked HDIP funding for the project. Thanks to these sources and combined with the accrued HTCs, construction on 35 mixed-income housing units and 6 retail spaces has commenced.
Beyond the Wright Building, AHF has also been assisting Allegrone Companies in Pittsfield with various preservation consulting services, including Section 106 Review at a nonprofit healthcare facility as well as advancing a new state and federal tax credit project at an exciting and highly visible location.
Manor House at Elm Bank, Wellesley/Dover
In 2024, AHF worked with Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS) on a grant application to support the restoration of the historic Manor House that is located within the Gardens at Elm Bank. Though this year’s application was unsuccessful, both organizations have a more concrete understanding of how to create a pathway forward for Manor House – and how AHF might serve MHS as a trusted historic preservation advisor in the future.
Rodman House, New Bedford
This year, AHF has taken on a significant restoration project at the Rodman House, one of New Bedford’s most significant historic resources. Built in 1833, the Greek Revival mansion’s monumental, highly intricate carved columns are distinctive – and in rough shape. AHF is working with Forma Inc. and AP Whitaker and Sons to fabricate a historically accurate replica of one the columns, using cutting edge CNC machining techniques. The goal is to reproduce existing conditions in a high-density urethane material that will be indistinguishable from the original mahogany.
The original columns, which lasted for over 150 years, are remarkable examples of skilled carving/artisanship and old growth wood, and this next round of restoration work will likewise seek to ensure a very long second life. This work is being partially funded by a grant from the City of New Bedford Facade Program.
Church on the Hill, Lenox
The Lenox Meeting House has been a prominent part of the landscape of Lenox since 1806. Today, the Friends of the Lenox Meeting House are looking to make the building more accessible to all. This fall, AHF completed a Strategic Directives Report that will help guide the group as they make changes to allow for more flexible and diverse uses of the sanctuary and narthex, in addition to improving accessibility and adding a communal kitchen area. You can find out about the Friends’ efforts here.
