February 10, 2000

Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. Performs Renovation for New England Historic Genealogical Society

The goal of an historic renovation is to provide posterity for generations to come. In the case of the New England Historic Genealogical Society Library, the idea is to preserve the generations themselves. The library, which houses the largest genealogical collection in New England, is undergoing a $1 million renovation on its first and second floors to create added reading areas, storage spaces, offices and special function facilities as well as to create a better-protected environment for the Society's vast amount of rare, genealogical information. Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. is performing the general contracting services for this historically significant assignment in conjunction with Keefe Associates Architects.

The Library building, located at 101 Newbury Street, dates back to the turn-of-the-century and originally housed a 3-story bank. The building received a 4-story addition in 1962 and has housed the Genealogical Society since 1964.

The building's most notable feature is its grand rotunda which one sees immediately upon entering the front door. The rotunda's two-story high ceiling, ornate marble floors, and dark oak-paneled walls instantly create a nostalgic impression for any visitor.

Enhancements inside the rotunda include the installation of new shelving along the rotunda's walls. This is to be performed by reusing as much of the existing oak paneling as possible with any remaining millwork to be articulately designed to match the profile and finish of the present wood décor. Two chandeliers hang in the rotunda, both of which have been removed and marked, crystal by crystal, for cleaning and restoration. Their removal, alone, was a process that took three workers two days to perform.

Two exquisite wrought iron gates stand at the far end of the rotunda underneath an elaborately carved oak soffit. Both gates, weighing approximately 500 lbs. each, have been removed while construction occurs and will be re-hung when the renovation is complete.

The area behind the gates will house the Society's international collection. Complete with an innovative arched ceiling, this room will complement the adjacent domed rotunda. Other work on the first floor includes restoring the building's front doors, remodeling the reception areas and performing selective demolition to revise pedestrian traffic flow. Modifications on the second floor consist of creating a new conference area with adjacent office space, as well as the addition of a serving pantry for use during the library's catered functions

Protecting the library's 200,000 genealogical books, its 30,000 volume circulating loan collection and its over one million manuscripts is of paramount concern to the library. New book shelving is coated with a unique preservation surface and specialized ventilation and security systems are being installed.

The current renovation is an expansion of work which Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. completed two years ago in the library's basement, fourth, fifth and sixth floors. This project entailed upgrading mechanical and electrical systems, installing structural steel framing and performing new finishes throughout. These improvements resulted in the construction of three new library areas as well as improved security, new technology and more storage for books and documents in a temperature and moisture controlled environment.

The most challenging aspects of the project are anticipated to be modernizing the ductwork and matching the millwork in the rotunda. "We are working with a very beautiful building," says Lee Kennedy Co., Inc. project manager, Pam Brooks, "it's important that no detail is overlooked and all work is performed with the highest standards."

The renovation is scheduled to be completed in midsummer of 2000.

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