HBI’s Favorite Moments of 2016

31 Dec HBI’s Favorite Moments of 2016

Posted at 17:19h in Blog by

With the start of construction at the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm in Mattapan earlier this month, Historic Boston is looking forward to an exciting 2017. But, first we’d like to take a moment to reflect on 2016 and a year of many successes. Here are HBI’s favorite moments from 2016:

  1. HBI’s Board of Directors grew! This year HBI welcomed six new board members: Brian Awe, Barbara Boylan, Marla Curtis, Mike Durand, Jim Labeck and Russ DeMartino
  2. HBI welcomed 19 new Corporate Supporters. In November, friends of HBI thanked the inaugural class of corporate supporters at the top of the Millennium Tower in Downtown Boston.
  3. HBI’s Council of Advisors traveled to Mattapan’s Fowler Clark Epstein Farm for a behind-the-scenes look at the 18th century farm and 19th century barn. HBI’s Council of Advisors grew to 28 members in 2016 with the addition of Barbara Berke, Anthony Consigli, Eric Dray, Lee Michael Kennedy, Tom O’Brien, Peter Smith, Brian Swett, and Peter Vanderwarker.
  4. The Community Preservation Act was passed by 73% of Boston voters in November! CPA will generate an estimated $20 million annually for affordable housing, parks and open spaces, and historic preservation.
  5. Donors closed the gap on the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm. The generosity of 15 foundations and individuals raised the $1.5 million necessary to complete this project. Construction started at the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm in early December.
  6. Pure Joy Flowers opened at Hyde Park’s Vertullo Building. With the opening of this business, the recently restored Vertullo Building was fully rented!
  7. HBI Women were honored with the 2016 Paul and Niki Tsongas Awards. HBI’s President Kathleen MacNeil and Executive Director Kathy Kottaridis were among the honorees as were HBI board member Marla Curtis and advisors Chrystal Kornegay and Andrea Gilmore.
  8. Construction wrapped up at the Roslindale Substation this fall. HBI, Roslindale Village Main Street and Peregrine Group LLC celebrated the beautifully restored substation which is being readied for Chris Douglass’ Third Rail restaurant in 2017.
  9. HBI scaled to the top of First Church in Roxbury! HBI celebrated the Unitarian Universalists Association Urban Ministry’s exterior restoration of the 1804 First Church of Roxbury – the oldest frame church in the city – by climbing the exterior scaffolding to its weathervane. It was HBI’s 2014 assessment of the church that laid the groundwork for the meticulous restoration.
  10. The Upham’s Corner Comfort Station is ready to start in spring 2017. The partnership project with the American City Coalition, also got a round of State Historic Tax Credits in December.

 

And then there’s you – yes YOU! Without your contributions, advocacy, ideas, sweat, and encouragement, much of our work would not be possible. Thank you for supporting HBI, historic preservation and projects that make all of Boston special. We look forward to working with you on new preservation projects in 2017!