The Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building has been voted by the public as favourite preservation project of 2016. The Boston Preservation Alliance had already named the project as a winner of the Preservation Achievement Awards. Both accolades were presented to the team at the Awards Ceremony on October 24, 2016 at The Paramount Center.
Designed by Mecanoo architecten and Sasaki Associates, the Bolling building is home to the Boston Public Schools department. It encompasses three historic buildings from the late 20th century, most prominent of which is the old Ferdinand's Blue Store on the corner of Washington and Warren Streets.
The historic storefronts have been preserved and restored, and elegantly integrated into the contemporary masonry infill. The addition of retail, dining, and public spaces to the office building activates the streetscape and adds vibrancy to the neighbourhood, whilst retaining the site’s historic character.
The Preservation Achievement Awards are bestowed annually to honour outstanding achievements in historic preservation and compatible new construction in Boston.
Greg Galer, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance, said: “Many neighbourhoods are defined by key architectural elements that have served as organising elements and visual cornerstones for generations. Ferdinand's Blue Store was that key element of Dudley Square. Its loss couldn't be imagined yet its rehabilitation was equally challenging to accept as a reality.”
“But here we are, celebrating a new life for Ferdinand's … a new life for the neighbourhood catalysed by the City's commitment to Dudley. A decade ago no one would believe what has happened could come to pass, but it has with remarkable results.”