by Greg Galer
Have you ever considered that many of the most exciting places in Boston are where old and new come together? Those places where the palpable sense of historic character meet the ever-evolving city are at the heart of the work of the Boston Preservation Alliance. The Alliance is Boston’s primary, non-profit advocacy organization that promotes the vibrancy and success of the city rooted in Boston’s unique character. We protect and promote historic buildings and landscapes in all of the city’s neighborhoods, knowing that growth and vitality can occur while simultaneously protecting and preserving the historic character of the city. In fact, Boston’s unique character and the creative ways Bostonians embrace and adapt their historic resources have been essential to the city’s success for generations.
For 35 years the Alliance has served as watchdog and advisor, guarding against short- sighted decisions that fail to see the many economic and social benefits of historic character. We support an evolving and developing city that respects and builds from its architectural treasures with new projects that add to the city’s overall character rather than subtract from it. The Alliance’s nearly 3,000 constituent-followers include residents as well as design and development professionals. We are supported by 70 corporate and 35 non-profit organizational members that cut across a wide spectrum of interests and specialties from community groups to developers, architects to tradesman, and historic sites to law firms, all unified by their belief that preservation of the city’s character is of social and economic benefit to all.
Much of the Alliance’s work happens in the background, meeting with project proponents, neighborhood groups, and regulators to promote and guide projects that both enhance city character and provide economic benefit. Our day-to-day work focuses on finding creative solutions that accomplish preservation-minded goals while supporting community leaders on complex issues of economic development, institutional growth, and community advancement. We accomplish these goals through negotiations, dialog, and by providing impactful oral and written testimony to regulatory boards and agencies
We also host many programs for the general public to provide education and to promote the many benefits of preserving Boston’s character and historic resources. At our annual Preservation Achievement Awards, the city’s marquis annual preservation event, the Alliance rewards the highest quality projects with coveted public recognition for the best projects that exemplify the work promoted by the Alliance.
At our 25th attendees, awards for to:
• Mayor Thomas M. Menino- Codman Award for Lifetime Achievement
• 131 Clarendon Street
• 234 Berkeley Street
• 951 Boylston Street
• The Men’s Comfort Station/ Earl of Sandwich, Boston Common
• Brighton Mile Marker #6, Allston
• Dorcas Window Restoration at Church of the Covenant, 67 Newbury Street
Preservation Achievement Awards for 2013 the Alliance bestowed in front of 400
• Harvard Medical School Gordon Hall Window Restoration, Harvard
• Hayden Building, 681 Washington Street
• Hostelling International Boston, 19 Stuart Street
• Second Brazer Building, 27 State Street
• Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown Navy Yard
• St. Joseph- St. Lazarus Church, 59 Ashley Street
Nominations are now being accepted for 2014 Awards for projects completed in 2013. Additional information on the Alliance and our Awards program can be found on our web site: www.bostonpreservation.org
If you believe that the city, its residents, and business benefit from Boston’s distinctive character, then you are a natural supporter of the Boston Preservation Alliance. Please join us and support our mission. Corporate and individual members join a who’s-who of the Boston building community, and with membership comes opportunities to interact with peers who play a central role in Boston’s future.
Greg Galer is executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance
