BOSTON, MA – Shawmut Design and Construction’s work on Codman Academy’s Lithgow Building was awarded Best Practice – Small Project at the 13th Annual International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Boston Awards of Excellence: Building Innovation ceremony.

To renovate the historic 1899 Lithgow Building, Shawmut completed a 13,000-square-foot fit-out of the space, integrating new systems in the historic building, mitigating acoustical challenges of the wood frame construction, and combatting floor-to-ceiling height issues to meet Massachusetts Historical Commission requirements. The team also installed efficient lighting to maximize productivity and energy, enabling the project to achieve USGBC LEED® Gold Certification.

“It is an honor to be recognized among the best and brightest in the industry; I am especially proud of the steps the team took to ensure the Lithgow Building’s historic integrity stayed intact,” said Kevin Sullivan, vice president at Shawmut. “This award is a testament to our team’s determination to go above and beyond for our clients, epitomizing Shawmut’s commitment to client service.”

Shawmut’s scope of work included building out core classrooms; a special education classroom; library; art room; dance studio; administrative facilities; cafeteria; and multipurpose room. The team worked with Miller Dyer Spears to embellish the space with elements of nature – natural wood, exposed brick, twigs, and wooden benches – to create a nurturing and safe environment for students, and is considered to be one of the first trauma-informed designed schools in the country.