Historical Commission Announces Preservation Awards

The Cambridge Historical Commission is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Cambridge Preservation Awards. Inaugurated by the Commission in 1997, the program celebrates outstanding preservation projects that conserve and protect the historic built environment, provide skilled work to local designers and tradespeople, and support the environment, economy, institutions and housing stock of Cambridge.

The 29th annual awards event was held in the Pool Theater, a converted swimming pool to celebrate the successful renovation of the five buildings comprising Harvard's Adams House. Recipients included the Cambridge Housing Authority for the rehabilitation of Dan's Place, the former St. Mary's Convent on Norfolk Street, Lesley University for the restoration of the former Episcopal Divinity School campus on Brattle Street, and the Real Colegio Complutense of Madrid for the rehabilitation of 26 Trowbridge Street. The Department of Conservation & Recreation was recognized for restoration work and accessibility improvements at Lowell Memorial Park. Other Harvard projects included the restoration of Wadsworth House (1727) and the Engineering Sciences Lab (1962).

Individual homeowners received awards for projects at 85 Brattle Street, 137-139 Cherry Street, and 29 Maple Avenue, as did developers who rehabilitated or created new housing in significant buildings at 23-25 Ellery Street and 9 and 11 Mt. Auburn Street. The restoration of the former Porter Theater at 2000 Massachusetts Avenue and the former Cambridge Electric Light Co. store at 23 Church Street were highlights of the event. Finally, three individuals were recognized for their contributions to preserving and sharing Cambridge history: long-time volunteers Anthony Beckwith and Kathleen Fox, and former Assistant Director Kathleen "Kit" Rawlins, who retired in 2025 with thirty years of service.

For more information, please contact the Historical Commission at 617-349-4683 or https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic.