Maddock Alumni Center restoration recognized
Providence Preservation Society Letter:
It is my pleasure to inform you that the Maddock Alumni Center project has been selected as a winner of the 2005 PPS Materials Conservation/Institutional Award. The award recognizes examples of restored and preserved materials on historic buildings and the careful attention paid to repairing and reconstructing original/historic materials. In addition, the award honors Brown University’s stewardship of this significant historic resource.
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. We are pleased to say that 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.
We hope that you will be present at our Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on December 8, 2005. The meeting begins at 7pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 175 Mathewson Street in downtown Providence. Please call Mary Kate Harrington (#831-7440) at PPS offices to indicate your attendance on December 8th.
Jack Gold
PPS Executive Director
Award Citation:
2005 MATERIAL CONSERVATION/INSTITUTIONAL AWARD
MADDOCK ALUMNI CENTER/GODDARD-ISELIN HOUSE
38 BROWN STREET
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. Today we honor Brown University for its continued preservation of this important structure as well as Brown’s decades-long initiative to document the building’s historic features, evaluate their condition and develop procedures for continued care and preservation. This most recent undertaking exemplifies the institution’s commitment to stewardship while employing highly skilled craftsmen to accurately restore the building’s original historic fabric.
Overseen by the House Committee of the Brown University Alumni Association, the caliber of the restoration is extremely high; utilizing a very sensitive approach which requires an exceptional level of technical skill, detail, and commitment. Exhaustive documentation and research uncovered original wallcoverings, paint schemes, historic finishes, fabrics and decorative elements which were re-introduced into the library, dining room, sitting room, entrance hall and parlors. In addition, the project included the stabilization and preservation of James LaFarge stained glass windows, restoring these to their original beauty and brilliance. Brown University and the project team have worked tirelessly to ensure that the building and its significant features will remain for future generations and continue to stand as a preeminent example of American residential architecture.
