Allen House

Allen House

 Historic Adaptive Re-use: UMass Lowell

This 1854 Italianate style building was set on a hill overlooking the Merrimack River as a residence for former US Ambassador Charles Allen. As the University of Lowell grew, it extended its urban school campus around the Allen House, which had been vacant for 30 years. Last used as a residence for nuns, the Allen House offered great potential as ACS recognized the opportunity and challenge to renovate and update the building for administrative offices while also taking full advantage of its special qualities and spectacular views. The renovation required a total gut, removing the interior staircase and reorganizing two levels, as well as replacing all heating, plumbing and electric. With a dramatic conversion of the former dining room and its sweeping views, that space became the executive suite for the Chancellor. An open floor plan on the second level allowed greater access to the views.

Client

University of Massachusetts

Use

Public Higher Education

Location

Lowell, MA

Size

6,000sf

Project Photos

South Elevation

The library addition opens to the west onto a large veranda. photo by: Jay Mason

Looking west toward the Merrimack

In the 1850's, the veranda had an expansive view of the Merrimack River and the sunset. photo by: Jay Mason

Entrance drive - Before

The residence was sited on a small knoll looking out to the farmlands and river below. photo by: Jay Mason

River View

Site work for utilities shown in process photo by: Jay Mason

Interior of library - Before

The barrel vaulted ceiling and full-height walnut paneling were part of a library that was added to the home in the late 19th century. photo by: Jay Mason

Interior of library - Before

Plaster damage was evident throughout. photo by: Jay Mason

Interior of library - Before

Strong west light reveals plaster damage and a blocked-up fireplace. photo by: Jay Mason

Library - Rendering

ACS prepared a conceptual sketch to illustrate our repair plan. photo by: Jay Mason

Library - West Elevation

The plasterwork was repaired, the paneling replaced and the fireplace opened. photo by: Jay Mason

Library - South elevation

The restored space. photo by: Jay Mason

Library Ceiling

Plaster trim was repaired and repainted.New lighting was added.Surface mounted sprinkler feeds were painted to blend in.' photo by: Jay Mason

Library Entrance

Mirrored transom reflects light in library, hides a lower ceiling in the Parlor beyond. photo by: Jay Mason

View to the river beyond

Sunset views are dramatic when in season- the sun drops directly beyond the bend in the river. photo by: Jay Mason

Library - View to the Parlor

The Parlor has been renovated to support gatherings and receptions in the Library and Veranda. photo by: Jay Mason

Entry Hall & Stair - Before

Prior to demo- the stair was tired but had a beautifully curved mahogony rail. photo by: Jay Mason

Entry Hall & Stair - After

The treads were replaced with oak, a new floor was installed and the woodwork and trim carefully renovated. photo by: Jay Mason

Dining Room Ceiling - Before

A coffered ceiling with a large ornamental plaster ring provided a focal point for fine dining. photo by: Jay Mason

Dining Room Ceiling - After

The restored ceiling features a soft contrasting colored background.This became the Chancellor's Office photo by: Jay Mason

Dining Room to Living Room - Before

All existing finishes were repaired or replaced. The door at left was removed. photo by: Jay Mason

Dining Room to Living Room - After

The new Chancellor's Office was made into a more discrete space and a hallway, wall and doors added beyond for improved circulation across the length of the building. photo by: Jay Mason

Main Stair - Down to Entry Hall

The original rail, ballasters and curved skirt remain a reminder of the original craft and history of this 1850's home. photo by: Jay Mason

Second floor office space

Low windows bring in west light. Cast iron baseboard heating provides uniform comfort. photo by: Jay Mason

Master Bedroom Alcove - Before

An addition built at the beginning of the 20th Century expanded the home and views of the west. photo by: Jay Mason

Master Bedroom Alcove - After

Walls were stripped-out so that insulation and building systems could be concealed. photo by: Jay Mason

The Chapel - Before

Formerly used by the Grey Nuns of Ottawa, this chapel has a vaulted ceiling and small balcony. photo by: Jay Mason

The Chapel - After

The woodwork was painstakingly repaired and repainted. The front wall was modified to provided space for an elevator. photo by: Jay Mason

Windows on the world

The elevator head house is visible thru the arch-top window. Note the narrow, historical (7/8") mullions and the brick corbelling - typical of an Italianate Manor home. photo by: Jay Mason

Exterior - Before the accessible entrance

A four-foot grade differential required a long ramp be constructed. photo by: Jay Mason

Exterior - After the accessible entrance was added

A switch-back design was used to limit the expansion of space required. New lighting is contextual and compatible. photo by: Jay Mason

Veranda - After

A new ceiling, lighting and railings were added to the west-facing Veranda. This spot provides an ideal location for receptions and parties for the University. photo by: Jay Mason

Veranda - After

The early 20th Century concrete work was maintained in keeping with the historical intent of the renovation. photo by: Jay Mason

Original Chimney

Nowhere does the workmanship and craft of the original building show through any better than right here at the brick chimney.A celebration of masonry and pride! photo by: Jay Mason

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