Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital To Receive Preservation Award

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in the Charlestown Navy Yard is one of more than a dozen sites in Boston that will be recognized this fall by the Boston Preservation Alliance.

Now in their 25th year, the annual Preservation Awards recognize “the city’s best examples of historic preservation, sensitive new development and skillful reconstruction,” according to a press release from the alliance.

Developers of the new hospital at 300 First Ave. are being honored for their efforts in revitalizing a challenging site that involved hazardous waste cleanup, Harbor Walk issues and other concerns.

“Spaulding's LEED-certified building, developed by Partners Healthcare Real Estate and Facilities, incorporates cutting-edge energy efficiency and sustainability technologies in a design that integrates well with the historic waterfront site,” the Boston Preservation Alliance noted.

The site has had many uses over the years, including a timber receiving dock, wharfs and dry docks and a naval hospital for injured sailors, according to the press release. Old live and white oak found on the property during development were donated to Mystic Seaport to repair historic ships, and granite blocks that were also found on the site have been incorporated into various landscaping pieces at the new hospital.

"New construction in historic neighborhoods is particularly challenging, and a project on this Navy Yard site had stymied developers and the BRA for decades. Spaulding and Partners have developed a project that effectively respects the historic site while bringing a new use for their patients and the public to this beautiful, yet previously underused harbor-front site," said Greg Galer, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance.

The area soon will see even more revitalization, as the Boston Parks Department looks to build a universally accessible park and playground on nearby Parcel 5.

Tickets to Boston Preservation Alliance’s 2013 Preservation Achievement Awards dinner on Oct. 21 are available for $75 ($50 for Young Professionals) at 2013preservationawards.eventbrite.com.