One of the most gratifying things as a professional photographer is when my architect and designer clients win awards for projects they designed and which I had the pleasure of photographing for them.
When the work of my clients receive awards and recognition, I feel rewarded as well.
The most recent such project for my client Finegold Alexander Architects is the Boston University's Dahod Family Alumni Center (a.k.a The Castle), which won the 2019 Preservation Achievement Award from the Boston Preservation Alliance.
Entrance to The Castle from Bay State Road
When originally completed in 1915 by architects Chapman and Frazer as the private home of wealthy industrialist William Lindsey, it was one of the first residences along Bay State Road and Storrow Drive in Boston. It was modeled in the Tudor revival style after Athelhampton Hall in Dorset, UK. Over time, the Boston University campus developed around the home. In 1938, the property was donated to BU, serving as the residence of BU Presidents and as lecture space. In 1967 BU converted the building into office and event space on the upper floors and the the BU Pub in the basement.
View of the 2nd floor roof deck and extension to the BU Pub from Granby Street
Main entrance to The Castle
With this current massive $12 million restoration and transformation led by Finegold Alexander Architects, which completed in the Fall of 2018, the building became the Alumni Center and Faculty Club. As part of this transformation, not only were the ornate interiors and sandstone exteriors meticulously restored to their original splendor and character but there were also significant mechanical and functional upgrades made to the building, including an outdoor roof deck and patio space, and accessibility improvements. The result of all this effort is an iconic building that serves as a gathering place for students and alumni at the heart of the campus while continuing to preserve and contribute to the history and character of the BU Campus and the surrounding neighborhood.
Detail of sandstone exterior and improvements to windows
Entrance to the BU Pub which occupies the basement level of The Castle
View of the new 2nd floor roof deck and exterior improvements to The Castle from across Storrow Drive
View of the The Castle from the BU Hillel House across Granby Street