2025 has been all about moving projects forward. From big wins for the Worcester Memorial Auditorium project to gains in understanding the future of preservation technology, here are a few highlights from the past year.
A Big Year for the Worcester Memorial Auditorium Project
Following a productive year in 2025, optimism is high for the Worcester Memorial Auditorium. In May, Governor Healey announced a $25 million matching grant toward the total project cost. This game-changing investment establishes a clear and realistic path to completion.
“Our administration wants to support this project and play a part in returning the Worcester Memorial Auditorium to its place as a vital cornerstone of Worcester’s civic and cultural identity, while honoring the veterans for whom it was originally built,” said Governor Healey.
The project also made continued progress in securing state and federal historic tax credits, as well as New Markets Tax Credits. In parallel, AHF launched the quiet phase of its philanthropic campaign, seeking to raise additional funds to close the remaining financing gap.
Finally, AHF refined its operating plan and is actively engaged in discussions with several potential operators and partners to support the revitalized building.
Looking ahead to 2026, a full-scale philanthropic campaign is expected, along with announcements regarding future development and operating partners.
The Russell School Feasibility Plan
In spring 2025, AHF and its partners at Allegrone Builders presented plans for the redevelopment of the Russell School building to the Hadley Selectboard. The well-received proposal outlined a feasible approach to rehabilitating the building’s existing architecture, along with a viable operating and capital financing plan. We see great potential to move forward with the preservation process in 2026 and save a historic gem for the Town of Hadley.
Progress in Pittsfield
AHF continues to work with Allegrone Companies on adaptive reuse projects in downtown Pittsfield. This year, the AHF-Allegrone partnership brought about a successful application to the Commonwealth’s Underutilized Properties Program, providing $500,000 to the Berkshire County Savings Bank Building project.
Allegrone Companies are redeveloping the National Register-listed building, preserving and restoring the iconic building’s historic facade while updating its infrastructure, systems, and finishes to support new residential and retail uses. The full project will transform almost an entire city block in downtown Pittsfield and add another 19 residential units. Similar to the nearby Wright Building, UPP funding will be used to kickstart interior work, remediation, and structural modifications to prepare the building for full redevelopment. We look forward to seeing these Pittsfield projects continue to progress in 2026, bringing real positive change to the city.
Rodman House Columns
When the William R. Rodman House was built in 1833, it was one of the finest homes in the country.The architect of the massive Greek Revival home took advantage of its prominent location on County Street, adding six show-stopping hand-carved Corinthian columns to the impressive front facade. But time has taken its toll on the columns, with roof leaks and animal infestation has speeding up the deterioration and putting the columns in danger.
In 2025, AHF partnered with FORMA Beyond to reconstruct and replicate Column #6 using extensive 3D laser scanning to document existing conditions, and cutting-edge CNC machining techniques that will reproduce the column. Then – we wrote all about it with an in-depth interview with the project manager, Justin Blanchard, who helped explain how this new preservation technology and modern materials can be used to restore historic buildings. The new column was successfully installed and painted in April of 2025.
Fun Popups, Collaborations + an Architectural Tour at The Speedway
The Charles River Speedway continues to be a place to gather and find community. Together, Notch Brewing, Pizza Project, Bellwether Salon, the Koji Club, and Rite Coffee + Tea have made the Speedway a very special corner of Boston. Two pop-ups this year, Salsa Shack and Third Time Together, made the dining options around the courtyard even more varied and delicious. A late-year collaboration between Notch Brewing and Koji Club resulted in a crisp and tasty Tomodachi Rice Lager that blends New England craft brewing and Japanese fermentation traditions.
Another fun update: over the summer, we filmed a tour of the Speedway led by project architect Christopher Neilson of Bruner/Cott and AHF’s Sean McDonnell. Working with filmmaker Padriac Farma, we developed the tour into a video that can be watched and enjoyed by anyone who ever wondered about the history and redevelopment of this complex collection of historic buildings.