DREAM Collaborative views our historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects as an opportunity to rehabilitate existing buildings, infrastructure and systems towards the mission of lowering our impact on the environment and increasing the value in existing buildings. We work closely with our clients and stakeholders across a variety of project types and sizes to renovate and restore older buildings – and we embrace every chance we get to keep an existing building from demolition. 

DREAM approaches every project with a deep commitment to historic preservation and adaptive reuse as a driver of equity, sustainability, and community-led development. Led by our Director of Adaptive Reuse, Thea Massouh AIA, LEED AP BD+C, our team is made up of experts in their fields and have delivered numerous successful projects. From a historic landmark church in Roxbury, to a 200-year-old brownstone residence and meeting space in Beacon Hill, to a house doctor contract for the City of Salem’s historic civic buildings, we address every project with the same level of careful consideration and collaboration.

First Church Roxbury

An example of DREAM’s extensive historic preservation experience is our project at First Church Roxbury in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Built in1804, the Church is the oldest surviving wood-frame meetinghouse in Boston and is the fifth Meetinghouse built on this site. First Church Roxbury’s design is based on the meetinghouse at Newburyport, Massachusetts, constructed by master builder William Blaney. 

Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, First Church Roxbury prospered with an active congregation. However, in response to post-WWII challenges, the church evolved from a worshiping congregation to an urban ministry, providing social services to the underserved community of Roxbury, and a space and forum for addressing issues of social justice. As the largest gathering space in Roxbury, it has hosted civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and Mimi Jones.

DREAM Collaborative joined the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry and First Church Roxbury team with the goal of advancing current restoration and preservation as well as building for use as a community meeting and performance space. Currently under construction, the buildings renovation will also address accessibility issues, allowing all members of the community to have access to the Meetinghouse.