Would you show your interest and support of historic preservation in Massachusetts with a vanity license plate? Preservation Massachusetts is investigating this opportunity to promote preservation awareness in all parts of the Commonwealth. Proceeds from the plates would go to fund the statewide Circuit Rider program that brings resources and assistance to all 351 cities and towns in the state. Let us know what you think! Click here to take our quick survey and thank you for your thoughts!

Roger Williams University to Offer Masters in Historic Preservation Starting this Fall
Graduate degree will build on the legacy of the nation’s oldest undergraduate program in historic preservation
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In an effort to meet increasing regional demand for professionals to preserve historic buildings, communities and infrastructure, Roger Williams University, in Bristol, Rhode Island, will offer a masters of science in historic preservation beginning this September. The M.S. builds on the reputation and rigor of the nation’s oldest undergraduate program, which will continue to offer a B.S. in historic preservation.
The masters program is founded on the principle that in-depth expertise in the preservation field must be coupled with skills in design, planning, leadership and administrative management for professionals in historic preservation to be most engaged and effective. This multi-disciplinary, process-based approach helps practitioners to advance their careers, and the greater cause, in partnership with other professionals and stakeholders.

Workshops, labs, internships and seminars provide an opportunity to work on projects in partnership with regional, national and international organizations and firms. Students and faculty work closely with other University graduate programs including architecture, construction management, public administration and leadership.

Preservation-specific coursework addresses preservation history and philosophy, documentation, research, architectural conservation, community planning, law and regulation, design, economics and management.

The University offers two paths for the M.S. degree. For those who have completed an undergraduate degree in historic preservation, a one-year, 32-credit program is available beginning fall 2010. Starting in fall 2011, a full-time, two-year, 52-credit program will also be available to qualified students holding a bachelors degree in an unrelated field. Part-time participation in both programs is available now.

For additional information, please contact program coordinator Philip Marshall at pmarshall@rwu.edu or (401) 254-3061. For information on how to apply, visit www.programs.rwu.edu/grad/

The art of saving a city

By David Filipov| Boston Globe| July 24, 2010

Pittsfield — City of art, city of funk. The SoHo of the Berkshires, the Brooklyn of the Berkshires.

The sobriquets urban planners bestow upon this bygone manufacturing hub speak of their confidence that Pittsfield can become a center of culture and entertainment on par with Lenox and Stockbridge and Williamstown.

Once-vacant buildings in downtown Pittsfield are filling with galleries, and restaurants. North Street, the city’s long depressed main drag, now hosts regular street festivals, open houses and art shows that draw thousands of residents and visitors. …

For the full article, click here.

A Preservation Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resource in 1997, the Longfellow Bridge faces preservation and other issues in its upcoming rehabilitation.

Linking cities and eras

By Eric Moskowitz| Boston Globe| July 25, 2010

Boston — The Longfellow Bridge spans the Charles River between Boston and Cambridge with a mix of grace and heft. Below its heavily trafficked deck, a dozen granite piers alternate with 11 sets of steel arches that bound across the water like a skipped stone. Above, the bridge is adorned with four neoclassical towers that resemble salt and pepper shakers.

And then there is the view, a panorama that is a mainstay of postcards: the rooftops of Back Bay, the slope of Beacon Hill and the gleam of downtown skyscrapers rising beyond the deep blue of the Charles and the greenery of the Esplanade.
Ever since the original bridge was built in 1854 to connect Tom’s Neck with the main part of town, it has been an important historical link for the Community.

Up close though, the century-old bridge is in terrible shape…

For the full article, click here.

The State’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget, finalized last night, includes an extension for the state historic rehabilitation tax credit. The tax credit, slated to end in December, 2011, is now extended to December, 2017. The language was included in Section 45 of the budget as follows:
 

SECTION 48. Section 38R of chapter 63 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 35 and 36, the words —6 year period beginning January 1, 2006, and ending December 31, 2011 and inserting in place thereof the following words:- 12-year period beginning January 1, 2006, and ending December 31, 2017.

The FY 2011 budget now goes to Governor Patrick, who has 10 days for review.  Preservation Massachusetts, along with our legislative consultant Paul Pezzella and Legislative Committee, will continue to closely monitor the budget to ensure the credits extension remains in place.  Thanks to all who aided Preservation Massachusetts’ effort by contacting legislators and sending letters to the Joint Budget Conference Committee.  Be sure to check back for more updates in the coming days.