Project

Democracy Preserved for the Future

A museum–quality restoration of Bulfinch’s landmark

Massachusetts State House – Executive Offices of the Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

This exacting renovation and restoration of the Executive Offices of the Governor was the first in over a century. Located in the original, historic Bulfinch section of the Massachusetts State House dating to 1798, the team confronted unique challenges. The Massachusetts State House is one of the country’s oldest seats of representative democracy and is a National Landmark. Beginning with detailed research and testing of materials and methods, and completed in off-hours, the spaces have been restored to their original detail, seamlessly incorporating new HVAC, temperature controls, fire protection, lighting, updated security systems and universal accessibility.

(Photo credit: Jane Messinger Photography)

Size
18,000 SF
Scope
Preservation, Renovation
Program
Governor’s Council Meeting Room, Executive Offices, Reception and Meeting Spaces
Sustainability
Awards
2016 Boston Preservation Alliance, Preservation Achievement Award
In the news
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Project EUI
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“Finegold Alexander was privileged to complete such an important project for the people of Massachusetts. These spaces, and the objects contained within, tell the continuing story of our democracy.”
Jeff Garriga, Principal, Finegold Alexander


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Late Nights! – The State House remained in full operation during construction. All design team investigations and documentation had to be performed off-hours. The same applied to construction, taking place only between 11:00pm and 7:00am. Late night deliberations in the Senate or House Chamber additionally often curtailed the work.

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Colors were investigated and returned an original unanticipated palette. Multiple layers of flooring were removed, down to the original, which required experimentation for period preservation.