Barba + Wheelock Architects

Architects

- Hallowell City Hall

Historic Preservation

Hallowell City Hall

AdditionsHistoric PreservationMaster Planning

Constructed in 1898, Hallowell City Hall consists of offices on the first floor and basement level with an auditorium on the second level. Working with a local non-profit organization, Rowhouse, Inc., B+W prepared a phased Master Plan for the restoration of this significant landmark.  Phase one included interior improvements such as sprinkler modifications, electrical upgrade, new energy efficient (yet historically appropriate) lighting, as well as new exit signs and emergency lighting.  Alterations to bring City Hall into full compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) included the seamless introduction of an interior elevator and a new entranceway.  The original Council Chambers were completely restored as part of this phase.

Barba + Wheelock worked with the City of Hallowell to implement the Phase Two of the Master Plan, which involved the restoration of the auditorium, a complete window rehabilitation campaign and design of a new entrance canopy. Extensive interior plaster restoration was needed in the auditorium. Paint analysis was conducted to determine historic paint colors.  Additionally, the sprinkler and electrical systems were upgraded, as well as theatrical lighting for the resident theater group, Gaslight Theater.

During Phase One of the restoration process, the City assumed responsibility for managing the project and Rowhouse, Inc. undertook a separate contract for the Council Chamber restoration. B + W was instrumental in balancing the needs of both clients and maintaining their focus on project success.

The City of Hallowell and Rowhouse Inc. received a Statewide Preservation Award from Maine Preservation, the non-profit preservation organization, for their outstanding collaboration on the restoration and successful public-private partnership.
- Hallowell City Hall
AdditionsHistoric PreservationMaster Planning

Smith Union Campus Center

Adaptive ReuseHistoric Preservation

The new design preserves all the original features that define the architectural enclosure: perimeter brick walls, regularly-spaced, paired windows, a clerestory monitor and exposed metal trusses – yet introduces new spaces for activities around a center gathering space that also serves as performance space.  The central space is surrounded by a spiral ramp that engages the entire space.  The Campus Center includes public gathering areas such as a café, pub, game room, mailroom, campus services and college store.

One of Maine’s leading architects, Ms. Barba has been a key player in this design from beginning to end… We knew in making this selection that she would bring to this project not only first rate architectural services, equal to those found anywhere, but also a Maine perspective on preservation, design, and building practices-which is exactly what she did.

– Mark Wethli, Chair, Department of Art, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine

B+W was involved throughout the process from programming through furnishings, special signage and occupancy.  B+W’s primary role was the exterior detailing for preservation and integration of new elements.  We shared in the production of the construction documents as well as conducted reviews with the State Fire Marshal to achieve equivalency ratings for the historic building, successfully retaining its historic features.  B+W provided the leadership role in the construction administration of this complex, multi-disciplined project.

Smith Union presented a major unifying element for the Bowdoin College Campus, drawing together previously segregated groups – banned fraternity houses, faculty and staff, and changing the social paradigm of siloed facilities to one of integration and inclusion.

Award: 1996 National American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Interiors
- Smith Union Campus Center
Adaptive ReuseHistoric Preservation