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HBI Leads Effort to Rehab Highly Visible Fields Corner Commercial Structure

The two story commercial building that occupies a half block at 1510-1514 Dorchester Avenue is not historically important in the traditional sense. It was not designed by a famous architect or used by a well known historical figure, and the façade has been significantly altered since it was built in the mid 1890s.

The building is, however, highly visible and restoring some of its lost architectural character will have an important impact on the Fields Corner streetscape. In addition, the improved building will upgrade tenant spaces in ways that will support their business and the economic health of the district. These are the reasons Historic Boston Incorporated took on the project through the Historic Neighborhood Centers Program.

“We look for projects that can strengthen the community by rehabilitating existing buildings that are important to the neighborhood,” said Jeffrey Gonyeau, senior program manager. “We hope that this work will serve as a model for owners of properties in similar condition and will spur them to make similar improvements.”

1510-1514 Dorchester Ave. houses two stores, a restaurant, and a dentist’s office as well as the Dorchester Youth Collaborative, a non-profit organization that serves local teens. Over the years, stucco and later metal siding were applied to the façade of the building and haphazard changes were made to storefronts and signage by individual tenants. One of the few remaining historic details is an elaborate wooden cornice that runs along the roof line.

Historic Boston worked with the owners of the building, Stephen and Deborah Golden, and Fields Corner Main Street, Inc. to obtain a $50,000 grant from the city’s Restore Program to help fund the project, estimated to cost $260,000. In addition, HBI is providing the Goldens with a $210,000 low cost loan for the rest. Historic Boston and Fields Corner Main Street will also work with individual tenants to obtain city grants for signs, and have assisted the Dorchester Youth Collaborative in receiving a grant from the city’s Partners With Non-Profits program to install a new cooling system to replace nonworking window air conditioning units that are visible on the second floor.

The project, which will be managed by Historic Boston, includes installing uniform store fronts and a new, lighted sign band. The rehabilitation will be inspired by historic evidence and will retain a traditional appearance but use modern materials that are durable, easy to maintain and energy efficient. Metal siding on the upper floor will be removed and new clapboard siding installed to match the original siding visible in historic photos. The windows in the second floor will be replaced with operable doublehung windows and the cornice will be restored.

The structure will be dubbed the Golden Building in honor of its owners. Stephen Golden’s father and uncle ran a popular neighborhood pharmacy there for many years in the mid-20th century.

“We are very pleased to be working with HBI and are excited that this project is moving forward,” Stephen Golden said. “We think it will be great for our building and will be a real shot in the arm for Fields Corner.”