Maddock Alumni Center restoration recognized
Over the past decade, the Brown Alumni Association's House Committee has overseen a major refurbishing and restoration of the first floor of the historic Maddock Alumni Center. On December 8, 2005, the Providence Preservation Society recognized this work with its "Material Conservation/Institutional" award.
The restoration of the historic Goddard-Iselin House for use as the Maddock Alumni Center was recognized by the Providence Preservation Society in 1977 as a model of how to sympathetically “recycle” a landmark building.
This second award recognizes Brown's ongoing stewardship of this important structure.
Components of the project included:
- Discovery and restoration of elegant decorative painting on the entrance hall ceiling [photo]
- Recreation of wallpapers and restoration of ceiling design in the library and dining room [photo]
- Conservation of the two-story John LaFarge stained glass windows [photo]
- Period-appropriate replacement of finishes, upholstery, carpets, and drapes throughout the first floor [photo]
In his letter regarding the recent award, PPS executive director Jack Gold wrote: "The caliber of the restoration project is extremely high, utilizing a very sensitive approach which requires a high level of technical skill, detail, and commitment to the project...the quality of this year's nominations was extraordinary, and you can indeed take great pride in the fact that the Maddock Alumni Center project is being recognized." See full PPS letter and citation.
The BAA's House Committee's next set of restoration projects include the Pembroke College Room and the gardens of the Maddock Alumni Center. For an overall look at the Maddock Alumni Center, view the updated guide to this architectural gem.