West Branch Library Preservation

167 Holland Street
Somerville, Massachusetts

Completed 2004

Built by the Carnegie Foundation, this unique and artistic 1909 Roman Revival facility was Somerville’s first public library and is listed on local, State, and National Historic Registers. Somerville’s funds for the project were matched by the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Partnership Fund.

TBA’s research into the building’s history unearthed undiscovered decorative painting throughout the building interior. We provided detailed state-of-the-art analysis of the painting, which assisted the City in fundraising and the recreating of this significant historic feature.

TBA designed and administered the successful first phase of building stabilization and repair which included structural repairs to the roof framing system, flashing and brick repair repointing, caulking of brick and limestone, window restoration and weather-stripping, plaster repair, and painting. All work was performed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation and was successfully completed within budget and on an extremely short schedule.