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Remodeling Project by Charlie Allen Restorations Wins 2009
CHC Historic Preservation Award
Edited by Carly Zander
Tue, 02 Jun 2009, 13:42:43 EDT
Award is the 4th for the Cambridge-based firm
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- An 1870s Shingle Style home that was renovated and restored
by Charlie Allen Restorations (CAR), the Cambridge, MA-firm specializing in remodeling period homes, has been awarded a
Historic Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission (CHC). The Washington Avenue property is the fourth
local remodeling project by Charlie Allen Restorations to be recognized by the CHC. The award was presented in a ceremony
at the Old Cambridge Baptist Church on Thursday, May 21.
"This was a rewarding project for us," says Allen. "The homeowners not only wanted a
thorough, historically-appropriate exterior restoration, but also sought a thoughtful interior
renovation that would improve functionality and enhance period detailing."
The project began in September 2007 and was completed in June 2008. During that time
the exterior of the house underwent a transformation that included a new roof, new wood
siding where necessary, a new conical turret top, the replication and installation of porch
spandrels, and a historically appropriate paint scheme with colors chosen with the help of
the CHC. On the interior, the main staircase of the house was opened up between the
second and third floors to make contact between floors easier.
The original balustrade spindles, handrail and newel posts were replicated and installed on the new stairs. The stair system
was stripped and stained to match an original section that was uncovered during the renovation. Additional storage space was
added to the home's entry, the kitchen, which had been remodeled to look like a Scandinavian boat, was opened-up and
updated, and a dressing room was introduced to the master bedroom suite.
In the