Finegold Alexander is pleased to announce The First Church of Christ, Scientist project has received 2024 Preservation Massachusetts Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards. The annual awards program honors projects that display the highest level of commitment to historic preservation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

The First Church of Christ, Scientist - The Mother Church sits at the center of the Christian Science Center Plaza, the largest privately owned, publicly accessible open space in the City of Boston. This iconic building is comprised of two structures constructed at different times: the Romanesque Revival The Mother Church Original (TMCO) designed by Franklin Welch, completed in 1894; and the larger Neoclassical domed edifice, The Mother Church Extension (TMCX) designed by Charles Brigham & Charles Covery of Boston and Solon Beman of Chicago, completed in 1906. 

The 192,000 square foot limestone, granite, and terra cotta structure required both exterior and interior restoration, including the ornate dome that sits 200 feet above grade of the original Guastavino semi-domes. The semi-dome required a custom stainless steel cable system supporting a terra cotta rainscreen. The multi-phased project spanned over eight years and added 100+ years to the building’s life. 

“Our firm is passionate about our historic preservation work, and it has been an honor to work with The First Church of Christ, Scientist and our collaborative team of experts to restore and preserve one of Boston’s most iconic historic structures.”

      - Regan Shields Ives, Finegold Alexander Principal  

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) was the building envelope and structural engineer for the restoration of the building exterior, while Finegold Alexander Architects served as the architect for the interior restoration work. Shawmut Design and Construction served as the construction manager, tasked with implementing the preservation work to restore the building to its original vision while leaving behind no trace of the extensive work that was completed. 

As experts in historic preservation, this recognition stands as a tribute to our remarkable ability to preserve and celebrate historic architecture to best serve local communities.

Click here to learn more about The First Church of Christ Scientist!