Restoring a historic home for the 21st century.

As a project architect an Ann Beha Architects, now Annum, Neil led the design of a new Education and Orientation Center for Historic Newton, a private not-for-profit institution. The Center is located in the restored and expanded Durant-Kenrick Homestead, an 18th century house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The project restores the historic 3,300 SF house to accommodate visitors and staff. Interior finishes were repaired, replaced, or preserved, and modern building systems were integrated. Following paint analysis, the house’s vibrant, historic exterior color was reintroduced.

The rear ell was reconstructed to serve as a new accessible entry and a 1,900 SF classroom / workshop was added. The addition and terrace overlook the historic lawn and exhibit garden and accommodates education, gathering, and special events. The addition, clad in western red cedar, draws its form from agrarian structures of the period.