Sean, Author at AHF Boston

From The Worcester Telegram – ‘Definitely a challenge’: $100 million needed to restore Worcester Memorial Auditorium

Sean on March 8, 2022

The estimated $100 million price tag to fix up the city’s long-vacant Memorial Auditorium in Lincoln Square comes with two questions: Is it worth it? Can it be done?

Yes, is the answer to both, said Jake Sanders as he recently gave the Telegram & Gazette a tour of the dilapidated 1933 building that serves as a memorial to World War I veterans.

The Worcester Telegram recently toured the Auditorium with AHF Project Executive Jake Sanders. Today, they published an in-depth look at the ongoing efforts to restore and revitalize the Aud. We urge you to read the whole article and take a look through the slideshow of images by Christine Peterson. We are grateful that the Worcester Telegram took the time to learn more about the project and tour the incredibly impressive space.

There are obstacles to be sure – if there weren’t, the Auditorium would have already been rehabilitated and currently in use. But we are dedicated to finding a modern and exciting reuse, connecting with investors, and bringing the Aud back to life.

Read the full article here.

2021 Year in Review

Sean on December 30, 2021

By all accounts, 2021 was a complicated year. While we came out of the worst of the pandemic and saw projects move forward in significant ways, there is still a sense of unease about the virus and how to operate in this ever-changing world. We have all learned to pivot again and again, to stay flexible, and to roll with the punches. But one thing is clear: we understand how AHF’s work to help communities spark economic and cultural growth is more important than ever. We are proud of what our team and our partners have accomplished this year – with grit, grace, and a lot of determination. Here are a few of our 2021 highlights.

The Speedway

2021 was the year that we took this complicated historic preservation project from a construction site to a living, breathing, revitalized destination to eat, drink and gather. Notch Brewing opened their taproom and biergarten over the summer, and this fall saw the openings of several Courtyard vendors and The Speedway’s flexible event space, Garage B. And we are just getting started: just wait until you see what 2022 will bring to The Speedway!

We were also so pleased to be a part of this video about DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program. We value our role in this important program that leverages private investment in the rehabilitation and reuse of significant historic properties, and were happy to talk about the experience on camera. Look for AHF’s Kara Anderson sharing some of her thoughts about our involvement with The Speedway! Bravo to Kevin Allen and the DCR team for putting together this important and compelling resource.

The Worcester Auditorium

As we moved ahead with one of our largest and most ambitious projects to date, the Worcester Memorial Auditorium, we took a significant leap forward: hiring Jake Sanders to be the Project Executive. The redevelopment effort, which aims to convert a five-story performance venue and memorial into an academic digital innovation lab, esports arena, and cultural center, is complex – to say the least. We needed someone on the ground that is smart, tactical, and knows Worcester through and through. With Jake, we found our ideal project executive, who is poised to lead the project into the next major phase in 2022.

Born and raised in Worcester, Jake played an integral role in the relocation of the Worcester Red Sox and the construction of Polar Park as a member of the negotiating and construction teams while employed by the City. While working for the City of Worcester, he spearheaded the redesign of the city website, created the process by which cannabis establishments would be allowed to operate, and represented the City with state and federal officials, corporate partners and community leaders to secure financial resources and strategic opportunities. You can read more about Jake and his role with the project here – but we really loved what U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern had to say about both: “The Worcester Memorial Auditorium is an architectural masterpiece, a magnificent monument to the veterans of World War I, and one of the crown jewels of our city. I’m thrilled that Jake Sanders will be leading the effort to turn this diamond in the rough into a downtown Worcester destination, and I look forward to partnering with him and his team as we bring this incredible venue back to life.”

Tax Credit and Grant Consulting

2021 was a year when we saw a lot of stuck projects get moving again. Over the years, we have learned a great deal about using historic tax credits and grants to take on “impossible” projects, and we love to bring that collected knowledge to partners across the region.

We worked with Trinity Financial to prepare Historic Tax Credit applications for the historic Marriner Mill in Lawrence, which will be kicking off construction in 2022. The project, known as Top Mill, joins a series of adaptive reuse efforts in Lawrence’s Arlington Mills Historic District, including Trinity Financial’s adjacent project at the Van Brodie Mill (now known as Arlington Point), that have revitalized vacant industrial buildings as much-needed residential space.

Our team continued to offer grant assistance and adaptive reuse guidance to projects like the Wright Building in Pittsfield, Cogswell School in Haverhill, North Brookfield Townhouse, the North Schoolhouse in Mt. Washington, and 343 Main Street, an underutilized anchor building in Great Barrington. Learn more about our current projects here.

Lastly, we harnessed the power of the Commonwealth’s new Underutilized Properties Program, assisting five applications for projects across the state. The program targets underutilized, abandoned, or vacant properties by supporting efforts that eliminate blight, increase housing production, support economic development projects, or increase the number of commercial buildings accessible to individuals with disabilities. In its first year, the program is funding 20 projects, totaling $7,516,000 in awards. More exciting information to come on these awards in 2022 – we have lots to share!

Our new branding – and our big move!

After a three-year strategic planning effort, we rebranded Architectural Heritage Foundation as AHF to reflect a shift away from historic property management to preservation-oriented development in under-resourced communities. We overhauled our website, shifted our focus, and after five decades at Old City Hall, we also moved our offices to The Speedway. The big move was partly an adaptation to the COVID economy, but primarily an effort to have a stronger presence in the communities AHF serves. Relocating to North Brighton allows AHF to strengthen its ties with the local community while emphasizing its commitment making preservation an option of “first resort” in historically under-resourced areas.

Architectural Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)3 dedicated to stimulating economic development in disinvested communities through historic preservation. Follow AHF and its projects on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Speedway Progress Update: November 2021

Sean on November 18, 2021

As we prepare for our first holiday season at The Speedway, we realized that so much has happened since we shared our last project update here. Though it can often feel like progress is happening at a snail’s pace, in truth, SO much has happened in a few short months.

Here are a few key highlights:

First, we completed our move from Old City Hall to our new, beautiful office space here at the Speedway. We are thrilled to be part of this community in Brighton!

Next up: this summer, in the middle of a heat wave, Notch Brewing threw open their doors to the beer-loving public. The Upper Courtyard was transformed into a biergarten with tables and shade sails. (We are thankful that we had plans in place to make the courtyard a comfortable place, no matter the season.) If there’s one thing that we have learned from COVID, our outdoor spaces are incredibly important.

Garage B began its life as an event venue, hosting graduation parties, birthday parties, corporate and industry events, as well as special markets (including the Boston Women’s Market, which will be hosting three markets at Garage B this holiday season starting this weekend on 11/19 – as well as the Small Biz Saturday Market with Notch Brewing on 11/27)

After a months-long application and selection process, we are thrilled to report that we have found tenants for all of our “Shops at the Stables” retail spaces. These six small-scale retail storefronts have always been intended to become home to a collection of unique local businesses, making the Speedway the unique, richly layered destination that we set out to create from day one. We are so thankful to our leasing partners, Graffito SP, for their invaluable help making these connections, and we are so excited to welcome the following businesses to the stalls.

NOW OPEN! The House of Art and Craft, Steysy Clark, a scented candle and aromatherapy shop.
NOW OPEN! Bellwether Salon, a one-chair hair boutique by veteran stylist Melinda Brandt.
NOW OPEN! Cambridge Art Association, a satellite gallery and workshop space offering art classes and programs.
OPENING SOON: The Koji Club, Boston’s first sake bar from sake sommelier Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale.
OPENING SOON: Hummus v’Hummus, a new “hummuseria” from Chef Avi Shemtov.
OPENING 2022: Tipping Cow Ice Cream, run by David Lindsey and Gerly Adrien.
OPENING 2022: Notch Provisions, a new culinary concept from the Notch Brewery team, featuring beer-friendly takeout options and merchandise.
OPENING 2022: Super Bien, a Latin American–inspired “grocery bar” concept from Melissa Stefanini, founder of Buenas.

We also welcomed two non-profit organizations – the Friends of Herter Park and the Fishing Academy – to the Speedway’s dedicated nonprofit office space. One of the key goals for the Speedway is to help facilitate the reconnection of the community to the broad recreational amenities of the Charles River, so we are particularly enthusiastic about the missions of the Friends of Herter Park and the Fishing Academy.

After a busy summer, we kicked things off with our first annual Labor Day Block Party at The Speedway, with live music, lawn games, and plenty of beer. Our tenants showed off their specialties and it felt SO good to welcome the world through The Speedway gates. A few weeks later, we welcomed many of our project partners to celebrate the official completion of the construction with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Garage B.

Rounding things out, we were so pleased to have the opportunity to talk about The Speedway as a historic preservation case study with Preservation Mass earlier this fall. AHF’s Kara Anderson and DCR’s Kevin Allen presented an in-depth look at the project, which can be viewed in whole here. We are hopeful that some of the lessons we learned over the course of the past few years prove to be useful to others seeking to take on a complex project of their own.

Last but not least, we are thrilled to share that the New England Real Estate Journal recognized the Charles River Speedway as their October project of the month, and we congratulate our partners at D.F. Pray and Bruner/Cott for this recognition.

There is so much more to come as we near the end of 2021 – but for now, we are feeling immensely grateful for all of our partners, tenants, and friends here at The Speedway. To progress! To preservation! To making things work and getting things done!

Learn more about the Charles River Speedway revitalization project.

New Hire: Architectural Heritage Foundation and the “Aud”

Sean on September 27, 2021

Worcester, Massachusetts: The Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF) is pleased to announce the hiring of Jake Sanders as the Project Executive for the renovation and redevelopment of the Worcester Memorial Auditorium. Jake previously served as the Chief of Staff to City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

“AHF is thrilled to bring Jake on board to lead our efforts in restoring the Aud. Together, we will preserve the building’s historical integrity while adapting the facility to meet the needs of a 21st century economy as a center for digital innovation, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and the arts,” said AHF President Sean McDonnell. “This is not a project without substantial challenges, but we are confident that Jake has the requisite skillset to spearhead the effort and bring community partners together toward a common vision.”

The redevelopment of the Worcester Memorial Auditorium, locally known as “the Aud,” will require private, local, state, federal and philanthropic investment. AHF’s objectives are to rehabilitate and restore the facility into an innovative digital technology, arts, and entertainment center; to recognize the cultural, institutional, and commercial users in the surrounding area; to acknowledge the historic nature of the Auditorium and its potential to serve as a catalyst for the neighborhood; to preserve the exterior building facades, Memorial Hall, Kimball organ, and interior murals, while also providing building upgrades and improvements, including life safety systems and universal accessibility; and to create economic development opportunities related to digital media.

“The Auditorium really sits at the front door of Worcester. We have seen successful redevelopment of the neighboring Courthouse Lofts, exciting plans for the renovation of the former Boys Club and wonderful small businesses lining north Main. Bringing the Aud back to life will add to the density and vibrancy of the area. I look forward to continuing to work with Jake and my economic development team to make this project a reality,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr.

“The Worcester Auditorium and Lincoln Square as a whole really represents the gateway to our downtown core,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “Jake has the disposition, talent, and experience to bring together this complex project. I’m truly looking forward to the Worcester Auditorium getting a new lease on life.”

“The Worcester Memorial Auditorium is an architectural masterpiece, a magnificent monument to the veterans of World War I, and one of the crown jewels of our city” said U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern. “I’m thrilled that Jake Sanders will be leading the effort to turn this diamond in the rough into a downtown Worcester destination, and I look forward to partnering with him and his team as we bring this incredible venue back to life.”

“The Memorial Auditorium is a Worcester institution, and I can think of no better person to lead its restoration than Jake Sanders. As the former Chair of the Auditorium Board, and having worked with Jake for many years, I am confident that under his leadership, future generations of Worcester residents will be blessed with the incredible opportunity to enjoy everything that the Aud and Lincoln Square have to offer,” said Senator Harriette Chandler.

“I’ve had the opportunity to know Jake since he was a young man and fresh out of college. He has always been a pleasure to work with, attentive to detail, and a consummate professional. I look forward to working with him in this new capacity and I’m excited about the prospects of the Auditorium, which I feel is a Worcester architectural treasure,” said State Representative John Mahoney.

“North Main Street is one of my favorite areas in the City. It’s got great bones, dynamic entrepreneurs and so much historical significance. As the District Councilor for the area, I look forward to continuing my fantastic working relationship with Jake and leaving no stone unturned to bring the Aud back to prominence,” said District City Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson.

“With Trinity Financial’s successful conversion of the former courthouse to housing and WinnCompanies’ plan to convert the former boys and girls club to senior housing; the revitalization of the Worcester Auditorium becomes paramount if we are going to fully activate Lincoln Square. This reactivation is critical in bringing together N. Main St., Highland St., and the Salisbury Cultural District/Gateway Park. The addition of an effective leader like Jake Sanders will help us move towards this vision,” said Timothy P. Murray, President & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“I am excited that Jake Sanders joined the Architectural Heritage Foundation staff and am especially pleased that a seasoned Worcester resident will be working on the Worcester Memorial Auditorium project. Repurposing one of the city’s most significant buildings is exceedingly challenging and having someone connected to the project who understands and cares for our community will hopefully be just what the project needs to move forward,” said Deborah Packard, Executive Director of Preservation Worcester.

Born and raised in Worcester, Jake played an integral role in the relocation of the Worcester Red Sox and the construction of Polar Park as a member of the negotiating and construction teams while employed by the City. He also spearheaded the redesign of the city website and created the process by which cannabis establishments would be allowed to operate in Worcester. He represented the City with state and federal officials, corporate partners and community leaders to secure financial resources and strategic opportunities. Jake was also the City designee on the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. Prior to his time with the City, Jake served as the Director of External Relations at Becker College, working closely with the Massachusetts Digital Games Institute in their formation and expansion. He is a graduate of Ithaca College and received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Clark University.

“This is a unique opportunity during a unique time in Worcester’s history,” said Sanders. “So many of us have fond memories of the Aud and I’m going to do all I can to help bring it back to its proper place as an architectural and cultural gem in the City. AHF has a proven track record in overcoming difficult historic preservation projects so I’m excited to be part of the team.”

The Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate economic development in disinvested communities through the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic properties. AHF works as a developer and consultant to facilitate projects that become sustainable sources of opportunity and vitality in their communities. AHF has just completed the Charles River Speedway, a complex adaptive reuse project in Brighton that was the result of a public/private partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation through their Historic Curatorship Program. The rehabilitated and revitalized Speedway is a newly thriving and dynamic marketplace and community gathering place, featuring a taproom and expansive biergarten from Notch Brewing, as well as a robust small business retail program and a flexible event space.

Learn more at www.worcesteraud.com and ahfbostonstg.wpengine.com.

THE SPEEDWAY NOW OPEN AND SET TO CELEBRATE FIRST ANNUAL LABOR DAY BLOCK PARTY

Sean on August 19, 2021

AHF Announces Nonprofit Tenants at The Speedway

Boston, Massachusetts: Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF) is proud to announce the official opening of The Speedway, a revitalized complex of historic buildings located at 525 Western Avenue in Brighton.

The project, which has been years in the making, officially broke ground in 2019. Now open to the public, the complex of historic buildings features a mix of unique and varied spaces – including a brewery and taproom, small format retail shops, flexible event space, and nonprofit and creative office space – all surrounding a large courtyard with a Biergarten and seating and space for public events and programs. Anchor tenant Notch Brewing opened its doors in July, and events are being held at Garage B, and other retail and food vendors are actively coming online.

After a year and a half of COVID-related construction delays, moving timelines, and the overall complexity of the project, AHF and the Speedway are ready to celebrate and meet their neighbors with the first annual Labor Day Block Party on Saturday, September 4 from 2-6 pm. The afternoon-long event will introduce the greater community to the dynamic open-air marketplace and its new and forthcoming inhabitants. When fully open later this fall, The Speedway will be a place to enjoy fresh beer, inventive and delicious food options, creative gifts, and even receive a one-of-a-kind haircut. The courtyard and flexible event space at Garage B offer opportunities for pop-up markets, live concerts, family entertainment, and fitness classes. “As we draw closer to the finishing line, we want to invite in the world to see the incredible transformation that has taken place at The Speedway, ” explained Markos Doyle, General Manager of The Speedway. ”We are thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce our greater community to the rich collection of small businesses and nonprofit organizations that call The Speedway home. A Labor Day Block Party is the perfect chance for us to meet our new neighbors and show them around.”

The Speedway is home to a large, European-style beer hall and outdoor Biergarten from Notch Brewing, a popular Salem-based craft beer brand. Launched in 2010, Notch Brewing – named for the nick made to keep record when you’re having more than one – was the first brewing company in the U.S. to focus exclusively on session beers (flavorful yet highly drinkable beer of 4.5% ABV and lower). “We’re very excited to have the new Brewery, Tap Room & Biergarten at the Charles River Speedway open this summer,” says Chris Lohring, founder of Notch. “We look forward to being a part of the diverse collection of small businesses at the Speedway, as well as being a part of the vibrant and growing community in Brighton.” In addition, Notch will host live music and release a special beer to commemorate the Block Party. The Biergarten and taproom are currently open seven days a week.

Across the courtyard, the complex’s former horse stalls have been transformed into the “Shops at the Stables” – six small-scale retail storefronts that will become home to a mix of local businesses. On the path to opening this fall, several of these new tenants will showcase their food, drinks, and crafts for event-goers on September 4. The Speedway’s Upper Courtyard will host a candle making tutorial from local maker Steysy Clark of the House of Art and Craft, a scented candle and aromatherapy shop. Tipping Cow Ice Cream, run by David Lindsey and Gerly Adrien, will offer up several of their creative rotating flavors, perfect for a late-summer holiday weekend. Sake sommelier Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale, who is aiming to open her much-anticipated Koji Club later this fall, will share samples and a taste of what’s to come in her space. Other tenants include Bellweather Salon, a one-chair hair boutique by veteran stylist Melinda Brandt; Notch Provisions, a new culinary concept from the Notch Brewery team, featuring beer-friendly takeout options and merchandise; Hummus v’Hummus, a new “hummuseria” from Chef Avi Shemtov; and Super Bien, a Latin American–inspired “grocery bar” concept from Melissa Stefanini, founder of Buenas.

The Block Party celebration will also feature live music, outdoor yoga classes, lawn games, and face painting and balloon art for the kids (and kids at heart). The complex’s flexible event space, Garage B, will host a collection of Allston-Brighton nonprofit organizations, including Allston Brighton CDC, Brighton Main Streets, and CommonWheels. The Speedway’s two nonprofit tenants, the Fishing Academy and the Friends of Herter Park will also be present at the Block Party.

About the Speedway Nonprofit Program

To commemorate National Nonprofit Day this week, The Speedway and AHF announced that they would be welcoming two organizations to their dedicated nonprofit office space – the Friends of Herter Park and the Fishing Academy. “The Speedway’s

origins are as a resource for the public and the greater good, so we are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome two nonprofit organizations to share the space,” said AHF’s Kara Anderson, Senior Project Manager and Director of Preservation. “We are particularly enthusiastic about the missions of the Friends of Herter Park and the Fishing Academy, and their strong connections to the Charles River.”

One of the key goals for the Speedway is to help facilitate the reconnection of the community to the broad recreational amenities of the Charles River. This announcement culminates a months-long application process, where local Brighton and Allston nonprofit organizations were invited to apply to become tenants. The office space was made available for a three-year lease at the cost of $1/year.

About The Speedway

The Charles River Speedway was once a mile-long racetrack along the Charles River, and was one of the city’s most popular gathering areas after its opening in 1899. Located at 525 Western Avenue in Brighton, the buildings that supported the racetrack and were once the headquarters for the Charles River Reservation are now a revitalized destination for the Brighton community and beyond, bringing new energy and excitement back to the historic site.

To make The Speedway project possible, AHF is proud to have partnered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program. Under this unique program, DCR partners with curators to rehabilitate, manage, and maintain historic properties in return for a long-term lease. The Speedway became eligible for DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program in 2011. Since 1994, DCR’s Historic Curatorship Program has partnered with outside parties to preserve 25 endangered properties across the Commonwealth, representing over $30 million in outside investment in significant historic resources. DCR selected AHF’s proposal in 2014, and construction began in 2019. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) facilitated the complex real estate transactions on behalf of DCR.

The transformative and complex project was supported by state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits, New Markets tax credits, and City of Boston Community Preservation Act funds.

AHF and DCR also worked closely with Representative Michael Moran, Boston City Councilor Mark Ciommo (9th District), and the Brighton community to bring this project to

fruition. Financing support came from Chase’s Community Development Banking Group and Twain Financial, with Eastern Bank providing construction lending.

Bruner/Cott Architects led the design team, and DF Pray provided construction management services. Graffito SP is handling leasing and retail consulting for the project.

There are still some leasing opportunities at The Speedway; inquiries can be made at leasing@GraffitoSP.com. Anyone interested in hosting an event at Garage B can contact events@charlesriverspeedway.com. All news and updates on the destination will be shared at charlesriverspeedway.com and on corresponding social media, including @charlesriverspeedway and @garagebevents on Instagram.

About Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF)

Founded in 1966, the Architectural Heritage Foundation is a not for profit organization dedicated to preserving and reactivating historic properties to stimulate community growth. AHF specializes in advancing stalled preservation projects, helping government agencies, communities, and private sector stakeholders to transform at-risk historic real estate into economic and cultural assets.

The Speedway Progress Update: May 2021

Sean on May 7, 2021

The Speedway courtyard in the evening — The lights are finally on at The Speedway.

The past few months have flown by, and The Speedway is almost ready to open! The site has changed so much since our New Year’s update: the courtyard has been made habitable, and the building interiors are well on their way there, too. Our anchor tenant, Notch Brewing, has started to outfit its space with machinery that wouldn’t be out of place in a steam-punk movie in preparation for its first small batches of Brighton-made beer. We’ve begun the process of moving our office from downtown Boston’s Old City Hall to The Speedway to be closer to the people we serve. Just last week, we introduced our newest vendor and put out a call for Allston-Brighton nonprofits to occupy a portion of the available office space. And soon we’ll announce an exciting group of creative operators who will fill the retail bays and help to turn The Speedway into the vibrant community gathering place we always envisioned it would be. Here’s a breakdown of the progress we made over the past four months:

1. Courtyard Is Complete

At long last, The Speedway’s courtyard looks like a space for people to have fun. Underground utilities, including a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly stormwater mitigation system, have been covered with gravel and beautifully patterned paving stones. A complex-wide sound system was installed to allow visitors to enjoy music while relaxing in the courtyard. Lamps and heaters were installed, ensuring year-round access to this outdoor area – a great idea during normal times that became absolutely critical in light of the pandemic. Speaking of accessibility, the decks, ramps, and handrails are ready for a steady stream of visitors of all ages and abilities. We’ve installed signage throughout the complex to orient visitors to the space and its history. All that’s left is for the beer garden furniture to arrive from Germany!

The Speedway courtyard with lamps and heaters installed — The Speedway courtyard near completion in April.

Outdoor heaters at the Speedway — The Speedway courtyard near completion in April.

2. Notch Fit-Out

On April 22, The Speedway received an exciting delivery all the way from Vancouver: a control stand and brewing tanks for Notch’s Brighton location. This equipment brings much more than a steam-punk vibe to project. The control stand (left) regulates all process flow while turning grain into malt sugar before fermentation; the vertical cylindrical tanks (right, at left) are where the beer ferments; and the stacked cylindrical tanks (far right) are for lagering/ maturation. Once the beer is brewed, it will be served fresh in Notch’s new taproom, which is also nearing completion. The bar and seating area are under construction, and the space is being finished. We’re thrilled to see our anchor tenant’s space come together and look forward to seeing it bustle with activity in the months ahead.

Notch Brewing control stand strapped to a truck bed — Notch’s control stand survived a precarious journey strapped to a truck.

Notch Brewing tanks being unloaded from a truck at the Speedway — Notch’s control stand survived a precarious journey strapped to a truck.

3. Garage B at The Speedway

Introducing our event space, Garage B at The Speedway! The name for this 1940s-era garage was the subject of several intensive brainstorming sessions, during which we considered a range of possibilities, including The Annex and The Loft. But since the space is neither of these things, we settled for good, old historical authenticity. Garage B offers 3,300 sq ft of interior space and 1,700 sq ft of private courtyard space, and can accommodate up to 240 people. The building’s large garage doors open to the outside, providing the option of significant airflow for those taking extra COVID precautions. Now that Massachusetts is beginning to open up, we’re taking reservations for private, community, and corporate events for mid-June and beyond.

Speedway Garage B — Though still a construction staging area, soon Garage B will open for a variety of events.

Speedway Garage B - close-up view of the 1940 inscription above one of the door. — Though still a construction staging area, soon Garage B will open for a variety of events.

4. Office Space Available

One thing the pandemic has taught us is that there’s no replacement for in-person interaction. Several office and co-working spaces are available to rent in Buildings F and G, which includes a shared conference room and kitchen area. Tenants will be able to take advantage of The Speedway’s high-speed internet, which will extend throughout the complex to serve the visiting public in the courtyard and events in Garage B. In keeping with the legislation that allowed AHF to lease the property from DCR, we’re offering 300 sq ft of heavily discounted office space to an Allston-Brighton nonprofit. And we recently announced that we’re moving our own offices from Boston’s Old City Hall to The Speedway to be closer to the communities we serve.

5. Retail Bays Are Ready

What once was a collection of horse stables and storage sheds is about to open for business. Our friends at Bruner/Cott and D.F. Pray preserved the rough, utilitarian character of the stalls by exposing wooden beams and leaving some walls unfinished to highlight the wood grain. To keep the barriers of entry low for our creative operators, we finished the retail bays so that they’re ready for occupancy and are offering flexible lease terms with both short and long commitment options to accommodate the uncertainty that comes with running a small business, particularly during the pandemic. We’re excited for the eclectic mix of tenants who will operate the stalls. Speaking of which…

6. New Tenant!

We’re trilled to welcome our first creative operator to The Speedway! Joining Notch at the complex will be Tipping Cow, a Somerville-based manufacturer of gourmet, allergen-free ice cream. We can’t wait to sample the dozens of delicious flavors that the folks at Tipping Cow have dreamed up (blueberry lime cheesecake, anyone?). All of the ice cream is peanut, tree-nut, and sesame-free, and there is a wide selection of vegan options, as well. We couldn’t be happier that Tipping Cow has chosen to open its second location at The Speedway.

Next month, The Speedway’s doors will open. We hope to see you there.

The Speedway Western Ave. entrance opening to the courtyard

Learn more about the Charles River Speedway revitalization project.

AHF Rebrands to Reflect Shifting Focus to Historic Property Redevelopment

Sean on March 17, 2021

After a three-year strategic planning effort, the Architectural Heritage Foundation has rebranded as AHF, overhauled its website, and is in the process of relocating its offices from downtown Boston’s Old City Hall to the Charles River Speedway in Brighton. The changes reflect a shift away from historic property management to preservation-oriented development in under-resourced communities. AHF was fortunate to have the assistance of FireRock Marketing and Exponent Collaborative during the planning and rebranding process.

Speedway interior with ladder during construction — Speedway courtyard in January after snow. Courtesy of Jason Baker.

speedway courtyard under construction with snow — Speedway courtyard in January after snow. Courtesy of Jason Baker.

Over the five decades of AHF’s existence, the focus of historic preservationists has undergone a dramatic change. AHF pioneered adaptive reuse at a time when house museums dominated the preservation landscape and urban planners favored replacing historic structures with modern ones. In 1969, the organization redeveloped Boston’s Old City Hall into a thriving office and restaurant building, demonstrating that vacant historic properties could be reintegrated into the urban fabric. AHF managed Old City Hall for the next fifty years, during which time adaptive reuse grew increasingly popular as a community growth and empowerment strategy. While AHF occasionally departed from its primary role as a historic property manager to rehabilitate underutilized buildings, it was not until 1999, under the new leadership of Sean McDonnell, that the organization began to devote more attention to the trend it helped to initiate: stimulating economic development in disinvested places through historic preservation.

“This has been a long time coming,” says McDonnell of the rebranding. “The name Architectural Heritage Foundation no longer reflects the work we’ve been and are doing over the past two-plus decades to help communities ‘unstick’ preservation projects and generate economic development. People mistook us for an architectural firm or preservation philanthropy. We’ll always be the “Architectural Heritage Foundation” entirely, but referring to the organization consistently as AHF, not to mention the new website, will help us simplify and amplify our message as the go-to agency for historic preservation and economic development for critical community projects.”

Josiah Quincy Statue at Old City Hall, an AHF redevelopment project. — Photos by Porter Gifford.

In addition to rebranding, AHF is moving its offices out of the basement of Old City Hall and into the newly rehabbed Charles River Speedway. This decision is partly an adaptation to the COVID economy, but also an effort to have a stronger presence in the communities AHF serves. Since 1969, Boston has experienced a surge in investment that has provided unprecedented resources for historic preservation downtown. In consequence, AHF has prioritized other parts of the city and the Commonwealth whose economies and historic resources are more vulnerable. The Speedway is the latest outcome of this shift in focus. Relocating to North Brighton will allow AHF to strengthen its ties with the local community while emphasizing its commitment making preservation an option of “first resort” in historically under-resourced areas.

“The field of preservation has grown so much since AHF was established, and we needed to rethink where we fit in” McDonnell observes. “A lot of people – from AHF Board members to our consultants – have helped us find our niche as a nonprofit developer and consultant. I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work and excited for the new chapter AHF has begun.”

From WBUR – “How Virtual ‘Hell Nights’ – And A Lot of Cans – Are Helping Massachusetts Breweries Survive This Brutal Winter”

Sean on March 3, 2021

March is finally here, but Massachusetts craft brewers are still struggling to reach the end of this long, cruel, pandemic winter. We reached out to a few brewpubs, tap rooms and breweries to find out how creativity, community and a getting a lot more beer into cans is helping them survive. Read the full story here.