front of the shrewsbury public library from across the street showing both the historic building and new addition

Our Work > Case Story

Preservation and Revitalization

Bringing new life to existing buildings is a challenge that drives and excites us. Changes in technology, and in the ways people live, work and learn must be reflected in the design of any project that adapts an older building for contemporary use. The Shrewsbury Public Library is a perfect example of a beloved historic building that was not equipped to serve the current needs of library staff and patrons.

The design integrated old and new sections of the building, with attention to finishes, carpeting, and colors contributing to a coherent interior look. Incorporating modern amenities with the historic building is also evident in the technology upgrades. Eight self-check stations throughout the building keeps people from having to wait in lines, and frees up staff time for more programming, teaching, and one-on-one interaction with patrons.

Key Contacts

Eric D. Moore

Principal

AIA

Robert F. Para Jr.

Principal

AIA

“LPA|A capably preserved our historic 1903 Jubal Howe building and incorporated a highly functional and beautiful major addition to the rear of our historic building. Notably, their design provided a building that is superbly serviceable, and strikingly beautiful.”

– ELLEN DOLAN, Shrewsbury Public Library Director

21st Century Theater in a 1960's Building

Originally designed by the Architects Collaborative, the Little Center at Clark University was a quintessential example of mid-century modern design, with its large open spaces allowing sight lines across multiple levels, large windows, clean lines, exposed brick and wood throughout the interior, and even a conversation pit in the lower level. Over the years, many original elements had been lost as the building was adapted from a dining hall to a theater space. LPA|A was brought on to help reimagine and modernize the space, while maintaining the unique, architecturally expressive design of the original building.

black box theater looking past empty seats at a stage set up in the middle of the room

Hanover Theatre Revitalizes Neighborhood

In the case of LPA|A’s most widely recognized project, the restoration of the historic Hanover Theatre, transforming the aging and empty building into a state-of-the-art performance venue helped revitalize not just the building itself, but spurred further investment in the surrounding area, which has continued to expand in the ten years since it reopened.

Modern Architecture in a Historic Space

When LPA|A moved into the Northworks building in 2011, we had the opportunity to adapt the space to meet the needs of the firm while showcasing the historic character of the interior of a building originally built in the 1860s for manufacturing operations.

In Service to Our Community

Nonprofit Preservation Worcester has a mission to preserve sites and structures that are significant to the culture, history, and architecture of the city. Given LPA|A’s commitment toward that mission, the firm and many staff members have contributed in multiple ways to support the organization. Rob Para currently serves on their Board of Directors and played a key role in saving and relocating Stearns Tavern, which once again serves as a community meeting place.