In July of 2019, we shared the news of Hardypond’s work on the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church at 20 Cutts Avenue in Saco. This unique project involved the metamorphosis of a beautiful 100-year-old church into 19 modern studio apartments. Last month, Maine Preservation recognized our dedication to maintaining the original character of Notre Dame de Lourdes with their 2019 Maine Preservation Honor Award.
Exterior detailing the Rose Window of Notre Dame de Lourdes
Commending “excellence in historic preservation leadership, rehabilitation, and craft,” Maine Preservation’s Honor Award celebrates construction projects across the state that protect and reinvigorate the historic structures “essential for community revitalization and vigor.”
In their Award Presentation, Maine Preservation noted that the “careful rehabilitation [of Notre Dame de Lourdes]…married the needs of an apartment building while keeping the defining features of a church.” Through the construction of an elevator shaft, a quintet of new roof dormers, and three floors to occupy the former sanctuary, Hardypond’s work on the Notre Dame de Lourdes apartments produced nineteen safe, spacious, and special studios to add modern substance to the old bones of the structure.
The Hardypond Team accepting their Maine Preservation Award; from left: Deirdre Wadsworth (President), John Shields (Architect), Miguel Betancourt and Nate Bacon (Base Design & Structural Engineer)
From a conservation standpoint, Hardypond repurposed stained glass windows for interior walls; the iconic rose window on the front of the church was preserved in place, perpetuating the beauty of the classic facade. Wood reclaimed from pews and paneling found new life throughout the apartments, while simultaneously lending original character and reducing the need for new materials. The building’s exterior was restored to its wood siding and original pastel hues.
Reclaimed interiors in a Notre Dame de Lourdes Studio
Our Hardypond team thanks Maine Preservation and the City of Saco for the recognition of our work and the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of Maine’s historical vibrancy. For a full list of the 2019 Maine Preservation Awards, visit their site.