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The Abbot, the iconic centerpiece of Cambridge, MA, was recently awarded the 2024 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award. Awarded through Preservation Massachusetts, this award celebrates transformative projects that embrace the community, create partnerships, and revitalize the most productive from beyond to create anything intelligent for the future. L’Abbé one of the 8 projects awarded this award.
Since 1988, Preservation Massachusetts has identified those in preservation through its annual awards program. This year’s theme, “A Lifetime of Preservation,” celebrates Americans and organizations that have made substantial, long-term contributions to historic preservation throughout the Commonwealth.
With roots dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is made up of three buildings: the Abbot Building, which anchors the corner of the building and faces Harvard Square directly, the Brattle Building, and a newly constructed building in the middle.
Regency Centers partnered with PCA, one of Greater Boston’s most cutting-edge design firms, to repair and modernize the historic structures and add a third party to complement their aesthetics. The team painstakingly studied the architecture of Harvard Square, as well as that of existing buildings, to return the site to its original state. Preservation efforts consisted largely of connecting the two existing constructions with other grades and grades of the land, stabilizing the original structures, and constructing a new infill construction without causing disruption.
The Abbot Building’s curved glass showcase has been restored and remains an iconic focal point. Other unique design features include a more sensible setback in the terrain with glazing and a copper roof, vertical setbacks between the old buildings and the new addition, and the use of materials such as brick, granite, steel tips and glazing to honour the historic nature. Green roofs on the most sensitive terrain provide rainwater control and panoramic views. Inside, the team revered the existing internal structures and preserved the iconic “Dewey, Cheetham” sign
Originally commissioned through Edwin Abbot for advertising use, The Abbot has welcomed tenants over the years, adding a pharmacy and a U. S. post office. A true testament to its longevity and versatility. The recent recovery not only honors the Abbot’s past, but also ensures its position as a colorful and functional area for future generations.
We are immensely honored and proud to earn the 2024 Legacy Award from Mayor Thomas M. Menino for our paintings at The Abbot,” said John Fitzpatrick, vice president of project management. “Abbé’s recovery is a testament to the determination and collaboration of our team, and we are proud to have contributed to the lasting legacy of this iconic building.
The 2024 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award is the second prestigious award this assignment has won for historic preservation. Previously, the Abbot had been awarded through the Cambridge Historical Commission with the 2022 Preservation Award, which honors property owners who preserve the city’s architecture.
The Abbot is a five-story building housing cool retail, restaurants and businesses located across from Harvard University in a highly sought-after location. Construction will offer 60,000 square feet of combined and commercial space, adding Central Rock Gym, Starbucks, F45 Training, The Comedy Studio, CAVA, El Jefe’s Taqueria, Tiger Sugar and more.
For information about leasing at The Abbot, please contact DavidSherin@RegencyCenters. com.
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About Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ: REG)
Regency Centers is a leading national owner, operator and developer of grocery shopping centers located in suburban grocery shopping spaces with attractive demographics. Our portfolio includes thriving homes advertised through highly productive grocers, restaurants, service providers and blue-chip stores that engage with their neighborhoods, communities and customers. Operating as a fully incorporated real estate company, Regency Centers is a self-managed, rated, self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) and a member of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, stop by RegencyCenters. com
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