PRESERVING OUR PAST, BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of 320 Newbury
For 136 years, The Boston Architectural College (BAC) has been a beacon of accessible, innovative design education, shaping generations of architects and designers who’ve transformed Boston and the world. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our iconic Newbury Street Brutalist building, we face a pivotal moment: the need to preserve our legacy and propel our institution into the future.
Our challenge: Our campus buildings are more than structures—they are symbols of innovation and inclusion. These cherished icons, however, now face critical challenges. The outdated systems in our Newbury Street building and the aging structure of our Boylston Street building jeopardize their functionality and sustainability, and our ability to inspire future generations of students.
This campaign is our chance to lead by example, transforming our campus into a living laboratory for climate resilient, sustainable design while preserving Boston’s architectural heritage. These renovations will enhance learning spaces, reduce our carbon footprint, and solidify the BAC’s role as a global leader in accessible, excellence-driven design education.
The BAC Campaign for the Campus focuses on revitalizing our two cornerstone buildings:
951 BOYLSTON STREET BUILDING: RESTORING A BOSTON ICON, BUILDING THE FUTURE
The 951 Boylston Street building is not only an important part of the BAC campus, it is a Boston landmark and a piece of the city’s architectural legacy. Designed by Arthur Vinal in 1887, this remarkable example of Richardsonian Romanesque design has stood the test of time, previously serving as a police station, a museum (ICA), and now a college. With much needed restoration, we have an opportunity to honor its past while preparing it for the future. We will especially revive the crumbling brownstone masonry, replace the outdated windows, and restore the cracking slate roof, ensuring its continued use as a space for learning and creativity at the BAC.
This project is about more than preserving a single building—it’s about sustaining the cultural and architectural fabric of Boston while demonstrating how historic structures can be adapted for the future. Installing high-efficiency replicas of the original windows will enhance energy performance while maintaining the building’s character, blending sustainability with heritage. With your support, we can ensure that 951 Boylston remains a dynamic hub for future designers and architects, standing as a testament to the power of design, education, and preservation in the heart of Boston.
320 NEWBURY STREET BUILDING: LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
At the heart of the BAC’s commitment to sustainability, the 320 Newbury Street building stands as a living laboratory for resilient, future-forward design. In 2012, we took a bold step of installing eight geothermal wells—each reaching 1,500 feet beneath the surface—making us pioneers in energy-efficient infrastructure long before it became standard practice. Although we were unable to connect the wells in 2012 due to the outdated HVAC system, we are now maximizing that forward-thinking investment. By fully integrating these wells to power our campus microdistrict, we are modernizing our infrastructure and significantly enhancing energy efficiency. This investment will not only significantly reduce our carbon footprint but also serve as a powerful demonstration of how historic urban buildings can be retrofitted for sustainability and climate resilience.
This project is about more than energy efficiency—it’s about leadership and education. By transforming 320 Newbury into a model of innovative, climateconscious design, we are equipping future architects, designers, and urban planners with the knowledge to create a more sustainable built environment. Students will have direct access to a real-world example of cutting-edge geothermal technology in action, reinforcing the BAC’s role as a leader in sustainable design education. With your support, we can make 320 Newbury a beacon for green innovation, proving that historic buildings can be adapted to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Join us in shaping a more resilient future—one building at a time.
FUNDRAISING GOAL:
Our goal is to raise $3 million+ in 2025 to complete these critical projects. We are already halfway there, thanks to generous lead gifts from the George I. Alden Trust ($100K), Judith Nitsch ($201.5K), the James A. Magliozzi, R.A. and Judith Nitsch, P.E. Fund ($175K), the Richard L. Paulding Estate ($244K), and a Community Preservation Act grant ($495K) from the City of Boston!
TIMELINE:
SPRING 2024 Campaign Launch
MARCH 2025 Public Launch OCTOBER 2025 Historic Preservation Project Completion JUNE 2026 Decarbonization Project Completion
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Join us in ensuring a vibrant future by celebrating the legacy of the Boston Architectural College. To make a donation or learn more, visit www.the-bac.edu/campaign or contact our advancement office at 401-787-1686
