Above Photo: detail of mural restoration completed by artist Charles Clear of Ocean State Art at the Rhode Island State House
Preservation
Preservation of New England’s historic architecture requires, first, the evaluation of the existing conditions and, second, sensitive restoration. Those restorative efforts may take different forms from repairs to replacements – but always with a focus on protecting the building’s unique historic features. BTGA’s work in this category has won the firm numerous accolades and respect within the preservation community of southern New England. The preservation team at BTGA is led by one of our founding partners, Barbara J. Thornton, AIA, and together they have more than 60 years of experience preserving and protecting historic buildings. Our expertise covers such areas as building shell assessments, forensic building analysis, adherence to national rehabilitation standards, support for grants and historic tax credit applications, and, of course, sensitive restoration efforts that receive approval from local and state historical authorities.
Brown University Hirschfeld House
Eisenhower House
Saints John and James Parish
Johnson & Wales University
URI Davis Hall
RIC Forman Center
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
URI Edwards Hall
CCRI President’s House
Smith’s Castle
Roger Williams Park Bandstand
Brown University Maddock/Nicholson Buildings
RI State House Restoration
URI Roosevelt Hall
Walley School
URI Rodman Hall
“The RIHPHC…finds that the rehabilitation of Edwards Hall was undertaken in a manner that is fully consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The auditorium and lobby look beautiful, and historically appropriate. The handicap ramp is unobtrusive on the east façade. The restored WPS murals in the lobby are especially noteworthy.”
Preservation Studio Leader
Barbara J. Thornton, AIA, LEED AP
Partner
Barbara has built her career on the preservation of our community’s historic treasures. As an expert in her field, countless clients depend on her to skillfully renovate their buildings. She is the second founding partner at BTGA and has helped structure our growth and success. Her expertise with building science and moisture management has been instrumental in solving numerous historic building issues. Master’s degrees in both architecture and business from MIT have enabled Barbara to create a professional and ethical architectural practice with strong business underpinnings.