8 Prescott Street, Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Noteworthy: Original Victorian windows had been cut up and reconfigured, but M&A rebuilt them back to their original size and shape.
Historic Designation: Part of the Old Cambridge Historic District, Cambridge Historical Commission
M&A’s Scope: Wood window restoration and documentation, cutting and patching of historic millwork, and installation of new millwork, doors, kitchens, and exterior entries
Owner: Harvard University
Architect: Beyer, Blinder, Belle
General Contractor: Gilbane Building Co.
Part of the Mid-Cambridge Conservation District, the three-story Italianate Victorian house standing at 8 Prescott Street was part of a larger swing space project at Harvard University, which aimed to renovate existing structures on Prescott Street for both student and faculty use as House Renewal projects began. During the Undergraduate House Renewal project, 8 Prescott acts as a temporary Master’s Residence for Harvard House Masters. M&A was instrumental in multiple facets of the building restoration, most notably wood window restoration, wood entryway restoration, patching of millwork to match the existing, and fabrication of new interior and exterior historically accurate custom wood doors and millwork throughout the building.
In all, M&A performed work to wood window sash at 65 openings. Prior to removing any wood window sash from site, M&A performed a comprehensive window survey, noting existing conditions and areas in need of restoration. Photo documentation along with written work scopes for each opening were completed and submitted to the general contractor before work began. The final report noted in detail every repair and replacement required, including which windows would receive replacement rails, replacement storm windows, salvage of existing hardware, replacement of spring balance systems, replacement of cracked or damaged glass, among many other instructions.
After the wood sash were stripped of all paint, they were returned to M&A’s shop for de-glazing of the existing glass and wood conservation of the sash themselves. Upon de-glazing, M&A’s preservation carpenters discovered that the existing glass used in many of the sash was undersized, and that previous glaziers had used an oversized bead of glazing putty to keep the glass in-place. These conditions prevented proper re-glazing, and new antique glass was cut to the exact size of the sash and used in place of the undersized glass to ensure the best product possible.
The beautiful structure is a glowing example of M&A’s attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship.
