Historic The Abbot Wins 2024 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award for Preservation Excellence
The Abbot, a landmark in Cambridge, MA, has recently been honored with the 2024 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award. This award, presented by Preservation Massachusetts, recognizes outstanding projects that foster community engagement, build partnerships, and revitalize historical elements to benefit the future. The Abbot was among eight projects to receive this accolade this year.
Since its inception in 1988, Preservation Massachusetts has celebrated excellence in preservation through its annual awards program. This year’s theme, “Lifetime of Preservation,” highlights individuals and organizations that have made significant, lasting contributions to historic preservation across the Commonwealth.
The Abbot site, which dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, includes three structures: The Abbot Building, which faces Harvard Square, The Brattle Building, and a new building that links the two older structures. Regency Centers collaborated with PCA, a leading design firm in Greater Boston, to restore and modernize the historic buildings while adding a new structure that complements the existing architecture. The restoration focused on integrating the two buildings with varying elevations, stabilizing the original structures, and adding the new building seamlessly.
The restoration preserved the distinctive curved glass storefront of The Abbot Building and introduced unique design elements, such as a top-floor setback with glazing and a copper roof. Vertical setbacks between the old and new parts of the building, along with the use of materials like brick, granite, and metal detailing, honor the site's historic character. Green roofs on the top floor enhance stormwater management and offer scenic views. Inside, the team preserved the iconic “Dewey, Cheetham & Howe” sign from NPR’s Car Talk.
Originally commissioned by Edwin Abbot for commercial use, The Abbot has hosted various tenants over the years, including a pharmacy and U.S. Post Office, demonstrating its versatility and enduring appeal. The recent restoration not only pays tribute to The Abbot’s rich history but also ensures its continued relevance as a vibrant space for future generations.
John Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Project Management, expressed pride in receiving the 2024 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award, highlighting the project as a testament to the team’s dedication and collaboration. The Abbot’s restoration has also earned the Cambridge Historical Commission’s 2022 Preservation Award, recognizing the efforts to conserve and protect the city’s architectural heritage.
The Abbot, a five-story development featuring retail, dining, and office spaces, is located at the gateway to Harvard University. It offers 60,000 square feet of combined space and houses businesses like Central Rock Gym, Starbucks, F45 Training, The Comedy Studio, CAVA, El Jefe’s Taqueria, and Tiger Sugar, among others.
Click here to know about leasing information at The Abbot.
Since its inception in 1988, Preservation Massachusetts has celebrated excellence in preservation through its annual awards program. This year’s theme, “Lifetime of Preservation,” highlights individuals and organizations that have made significant, lasting contributions to historic preservation across the Commonwealth.
The Abbot site, which dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, includes three structures: The Abbot Building, which faces Harvard Square, The Brattle Building, and a new building that links the two older structures. Regency Centers collaborated with PCA, a leading design firm in Greater Boston, to restore and modernize the historic buildings while adding a new structure that complements the existing architecture. The restoration focused on integrating the two buildings with varying elevations, stabilizing the original structures, and adding the new building seamlessly.
The restoration preserved the distinctive curved glass storefront of The Abbot Building and introduced unique design elements, such as a top-floor setback with glazing and a copper roof. Vertical setbacks between the old and new parts of the building, along with the use of materials like brick, granite, and metal detailing, honor the site's historic character. Green roofs on the top floor enhance stormwater management and offer scenic views. Inside, the team preserved the iconic “Dewey, Cheetham & Howe” sign from NPR’s Car Talk.
Originally commissioned by Edwin Abbot for commercial use, The Abbot has hosted various tenants over the years, including a pharmacy and U.S. Post Office, demonstrating its versatility and enduring appeal. The recent restoration not only pays tribute to The Abbot’s rich history but also ensures its continued relevance as a vibrant space for future generations.
John Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Project Management, expressed pride in receiving the 2024 Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award, highlighting the project as a testament to the team’s dedication and collaboration. The Abbot’s restoration has also earned the Cambridge Historical Commission’s 2022 Preservation Award, recognizing the efforts to conserve and protect the city’s architectural heritage.
The Abbot, a five-story development featuring retail, dining, and office spaces, is located at the gateway to Harvard University. It offers 60,000 square feet of combined space and houses businesses like Central Rock Gym, Starbucks, F45 Training, The Comedy Studio, CAVA, El Jefe’s Taqueria, and Tiger Sugar, among others.
Click here to know about leasing information at The Abbot.
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