Sweet Briar College

The Sweet Briar College Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Constructed between 1902 and 1942, the ensemble of twenty Georgian Revival buildings represent the best collegiate work of Ralph Adams Cram, a prominent Boston Architect during that time.

Commonwealth Architects first completed a comprehensive on-site architectural inspection and photographic documentation of the campus buildings within the historic district, and subsequently completed a Historic Structures Report based on this information. The report provided a prioritized list of restoration needs for each building and served as a guide for the restoration and rehabilitation program recently completed under the direction of Historical Architect Douglas J. Harnsberger.

The comprehensive restoration project focused on the limestone and brick administrative buildings; faculty houses; student dormitories; a Flemish-bond brick retaining wall with limestone balustrade; and the replacement of the bell tower’s copper dome. The scope of work included the installation of new copper flashing and gutter and downspout systems; slate roof repair and restoration; restoration of exterior brickwork; pre-cast concrete and limestone repair and restoration; porch reconstruction; wood window restoration, repair and painting; restoration of period architectural details; and new landscape design solutions.