To create a facility within the stone warehouse to educate visitors and encourage return visits, Banwell Architects worked from the inside out. The original stone walls were restored and exposed to view wherever possible. An earthquake resistant frame was inserted, new insulated walls were built around all of the gallery and storage spaces, and a sophisticated climate control system was installed. A curved partition wall separates the gallery from the museum with a galvanized steel sheet metal finish to recall the origins of the building.

To address the challenge of luring visitors to the exhibition galleries on the upper floor, a monumental stairway with granite finish was created to connect the third and fourth floors. Topped by a reproduction fire tower which projects up through the roof into a cupola, visitors can view Concord and the landscape beyond.

“Banwell Architects has shown great sensitivity to two historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places and to their distinguishing architectural features. At the same time, they developed aesthetically pleasing and creative design solutions for building interiors to meet contemporary needs,” stated John Frisbee, Director. “Sensitivity to the clients’ needs is evident in the design and allocation of space. That all the staff are enthusiastic about the design solution is strong testimony that the architect is a good listener as well as good designer.”