Restoration Projects

The City of Waltham hired its first professional staff member to help administer the operation, restoration, maintenance of this National Historic Landmark property in 2000. She raised nearly $3 million in grant funding and managed the following major capital projects carefully adhering to required federal standards for National Historic Landmarks.

In 1999, the context of its Olmsted-designed landscape surrounding the Paine House did not exist due to lack of maintenance. This “Brontosaurus” tree mulcher cleared volunteer trees that had obliterated the south and west fields and vistas, reestablishing the cultural landscape.

Historic Landscape RESTORation, 2000

In this landscape restoration project for the 6-acre Olmsted-designed historic core of the estate, the south and west fields were cleared and reestablished, vistas were restored, trees were pruned, the Master Landscape Plan was updated, and a Tree Inventory and Management Plan and a maintenance plan were produced.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management Historic Landscape Preservation grant

Gov. Paul Celucci chose the newly-restored award-winning landscape at Stonehurst as the setting for the historic signing of the Community Preservation Act into law in 2000. After Waltham adopted the CPA in 2005, this city-owned property was fortunate to receive a number of Community Preservation Fund grants.

EXTERIOR PRESERVATION PROJECT, 2003

This project secured the building envelope and structure by correcting the entire water management system, reroofing the shingled roofs, repairing and replacing deteriorated wooden members (structural elements, porches, trim, clapboards), repointing failing mortar joints, and supplementing inadequate structural members.

Save America’s Treasures/National Park Service, Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund and 1772 Foundation grants

“Dedicated to identifying and rescuing the enduring symbols of American tradition that define us as a nation.”

— the federal Save America's Treasures program that helped fund this project

A craftsman’s work station Mrs. Paine’s bedroom mantel restoration.

HISTORIC ROOM RESTORATIONS

Wood and paint finishes, plaster, tile, and wallpaper in historic rooms on the second floor were gradually restored over time following a careful Historic Interiors Study, funded by the Getty Foundation.

EXTERIOR PRESERVATION PROJECT, 2010

This project completed work necessarily deferred in 2003. It restored over 100 windows and doors, replaced porch floors, and repaired two chimneys.

Community Preservation Fund grant

PERMANENT EXHIBITS & SIGNAGE, 2013

Building on interpretation and furnishing plans, this project installed interior permanent exhibits and site wayfinding signage for the enjoyment and understanding of all visitors to the site regardless of their reason for visiting.

National Endowment for the Humanities, Institute for Museum and Library Services and Mass Humanities grants

“This application is a model for how to assess community needs, strategic planning with experienced personnel, and implementing that plan in a thorough, professional and effective manner.”

— federal IMLS grant reviewer for the exhibit project

Restrooms & Accessibility improvements, 2013

A lift was installed in a historic elevator shaft, requiring relocation of an accessible restroom. New men’s and women’s restrooms were created with integral accessible features.

Community Preservation Fund grant

Richardson Roof Restoration, 2017

The H.H. Richardson-designed wood shingle roof and the kitchen ell roof were restored.

Community Preservation Fund grant

Wood decay threatens architectural elements such as the load-bearing column at the main entrance.

EXTERIOR PRESERVATION, CURRENT

This comprehensive preservation project will reshingle the Richardson wing, reroof the mansard roof, repair and replace decayed architectural elements, and refresh painted finishes.

The City of Waltham is currently reviewing bids.

Community Preservation Fund grant