Architectural Heritage Foundation has received 2008 National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for their work on the preservation of the Washington Mills Building No. 1. Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Richard Moe, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation, was present to honor the Architectural Foundation on this impressive achievement. Sarah Hansen, with the Architectural Heritage Foundation, is a board member of the Lawrence History Center. We congratulate them on this wonderful achievement and for preserving a part of Lawrence History.
In the Boston Globe , quote from Richard Moe from National Trust for Historic Preservation argues that "the greenest building is not the new one, artfully accessorized with a planted roof or solar panels. The greenest building is the one that's already built. The energy it took to build it remains embodied in it. That energy will be wasted if it is demolished. And new energy will be expended in the demolition, and in the construction of any replacement."
For an historic view of the Washington Mills complex look at the Panorama views of Lawrence . By clicking on the image, you can enlarge it. Scroll right and left to capture the panoramic view of Lawrence and the mills.
Panoramic View from the north While viewing the image from the north, when you identify the Ayer Mill Clock tower (icon in our logo on top page left), notice the two large smoke stacks on either side. Then come forward. Those buildings are the Washington Mill complex. The one with the bell tower is the one being celebrated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Panoramic View from the south In this image the Duck bridge is on your right - notice the large smoke stack with black smoke spewing out - the buildings in front and to the right, are the Washington Mills.History of the Washington Mills
The Washington Mills, originally named Bay State Mills and one of the first mills in Lawrence, rebuilt itself by tearing down the original mill and re-building at the same location and then adding additional buildings. The mills swung with each financial rise and fall - eventually closing the doors.
Today with renewed interest in rehabilitation and historic preservation - Washington Mills is in the forefront - by preserving this hugely important structure and allowing it to remain relevant for today's citizens.
Again - the Lawrence History Center congratulates Architectural Heritage Foundation for this terrific achievement.