Chase’s Mill
Citation Award // Rick and Duffy Monahon
Architect // ICON Architecture
GC // Harvey Construction
MEP/FP, Structural, Security/IT Engineer // Rist Frost Shumway
Theater Design // OTJ Architects
Theater Planning // Fisher Dachs Associates
Audiovisual and Acoustics // Acentech
Description
The challenge, both architecturally and programmatically was to address the question ofhow this small enterprise could continue to be functional and relevant for the current andfuture of Mill Hollow, while maintaining its important role as a working example of thishistorical water-power technology. Under the stewardship of the nonprofit Mill HollowHeritage Association, Chase’s Mill serves as a workshop for hands-on learning and acommunity gathering space. Our water-powered mill embodies the history of small-townindustry, celebrating New England’s vibrant past while inspiring the future of sustainablepower and rural technology. This project was a true community effort drawing upon skilledcraftspeople and volunteers under the leadership of the Mill Hollow Heritage Association.Architect: Dan Bartlett AIA, DB Architects in Keene NH. General Contractor: Jeff Ingram,Ingram Construction in Westmoreland NH.
Jury Comments
Your jury imagined the client – perhaps all involved – to be the epitome of small groups of citizens having the energy, vision, courage, and commitment to make a difference in the world.
In this case, by saving a rare and increasingly unique building type, particularly buildings whose original relevance, offers lessons and insights in solving the challenges of our time. Usually sited along waterways with advantageous hydrological features, structures like this are often historical anchors to communities that grew up around them. Buildings like this therefore are vital cultural resources conveying sense of place.
Clearly a labor of love over many years and hours of volunteer effort – carefully considered design, workmanship, materials, a modest budget and an enduring level of community support. Extremely limited resources culminate in a beautiful job in an exemplary effort poised to inspire others. I believe the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, in praise of this project, described this endeavor in the best way:
“…an endangered historic mill building back to life and linked its heritage with future educational and community development ventures in a model that we hope others might emulate.”
The jury recognizes Chase’s Mill with a Monahon Preservation Citation Award.
Photo credit: MHHA and Dan Bartlett
Nashua Center for Arts
Citation Award // Excellence in Architecture Design
Architect // ICON Architecture
GC // Harvey Construction
MEP/FP, Structural, Security/IT Engineer // Rist Frost Shumway
Theater Design // OTJ Architects
Theater Planning // Fisher Dachs Associates
Audiovisual and Acoustics // Acentech
Description
Located in the heart of Nashua's Main Street, an important arts and cultural corridor withrestaurants, shops, and parking for patrons, the Center for the Arts offers nationally touringmusical performances and theater in downtown Nashua. It also serves as a premier venuefor corporate and family events. The 753-seat proscenium theater has a telescopic seatingsystem that retracts to create a flat floor for General Admissions up to 1000 people orbanquet seating for up to 270. The City of Nashua began planning the project in 2015 withthe goal of improving the economy, strengthening downtown, and improving the quality oflife for the Nashua community. Designed by Boston-based ICON Architecture, the newfacility is constructed on the foundation of an existing building and incorporates an historicbuilding on West Pearl Street. The contemporary architecture is designedto complementthe urban context and celebrate the arts.
Jury Comments
Transporting audiences through a story, theaters are typically big, windowless boxes. Drawing many cues from context, your jury was impressed with how – in an audaciously fresh way - the Center paid homage to urban surroundings.
The datums established by surrounding buildings are cleverly reflected by the Center’s massing – especially the outdoor roof terrace’s relationship to an adjacent stone building. The manner in which the Center meets the ground is interesting – like a big luminescent white cloud floating over glass creating a dramatic evening presence. A yellow picture frame frames a view of the surroundings from within. Jurors were impressed with the thinking behind this project – including the reuse of the demolished building’s foundations, and the programming-level decision to support the local vibrant culinary scene by not having dining within the building. Less is more here.
A project exuding economy did not stifle big, bold brush strokes, making the Center an appropriate focal point.
The jury recognizes Nashua Center for the Arts with a Citation Award.
Photo credit: Trent Bell