Charles River Speedway: Adaptive Reuse of Historic Landmark

Additional fee, registration required.

In 1899, the Speedway was built as a headquarters for the new parkway along the Charles River. While serving multiple state and local agency needs more recently, it unfortunately fell into disrepair. 

Join developer Architectural Heritage Foundation and architect Bruner/Cott to explore this reimagined community asset and historic gateway to the Allston-Brighton neighborhood. The tour will highlight the challenges of creating modern retail environments while staying true to the vision of the building's original architects. The outcome preserves the shingle style characteristic of William D. Austin's architectural work while breathing new life into the single-story courtyard and the neighborhood beyond.
 

Learning Objectives

1. Explore a preservation strategy that navigates multiple renovation periods while meeting National Park Service guidelines.
2. Discuss key reversible and low-carbon-envelope strategies to improve the energy use of a historic project while minimizing upfront carbon emissions.
3. Learn how to identify appropriate mechanical systems that contribute to modern HVAC while minimizing physical impact on a historic project.
4. Review challenges and solutions to bringing a multistory agricultural historic campus into compliance with modern accessibility, comfort, and environmental requirements.

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