Building Envelope Technologies, Inc.

139 Main Street Cambridge, MA In the context of due diligence during the acquisition of the property, it was determined that significant deterioration of the historic building structure occured in the masonry for which BET had provided preliminary observations and recommendations for consideration.  Building Envelope Technologies, Inc., was chosen to complete a more detailed analysis of the existing conditions, including hands-on access and limited exploratories. Subsequently, BET assisted R.E. Dinneen (now Vivo Architecture) in the preparation of construction documents for repairs and restoration, including concerns associated with the building exterior and then assist in the administration of the contract for construction.  

1 Lovejoy Wharf is a 11-12 level above grade steel and masonry framed structure dating to circa 1906. The property underwent extensive rehabilitation in 2015 to serve as an adaptive reuse now providing corporate offices. The State has recently undertaken a restoration program for the North Washington Street Bridge located on the east side of the building. This program has resulted in the temporal exposure of the lower east façade of Lovejoy Wharf. There are known concerns about this façade area. BET was chosen to evaluate the existing conditions, and prepare reporting, followed by the preparation of construction documents for tender, and assistance in the administration of the contract. BET is regularly charged with the care of significant properties for institutions of note.  Our work with historical properties has been recognized with awards over 14 times over the last decade by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cities of Boston and Cambridge.  We also provide ongoing services with a successful history for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and others. 

430 Massachusetts Avenue is a prominent mixed-use historic building located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Building Envelope Technologies, Inc. provided analysis, design, and construction administration to remove, upgrade, and reinstall existing copper window bays. The project was awarded a Cambridge Historic Preservation Award. BET is regularly charged with the care of significant properties for institutions of note. Our work with historical properties has been recognized with awards over 10 times over the last decade by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cities of Boston and Cambridge. We also provide ongoing services with a successful history for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and others. 

640 Memorial Drive in Cambridge, MA, was originally constructed as a Ford manufacturing plant. Building Envelope Technologies, Inc. provided analysis, design, and construction administration, to restore and adapt the structure for use as modern laboratories. The project was named the winner of the Cambridge Historic Preservation Award. BET is regularly charged with the care of significant properties for institutions of note. Our work with historical properties has been recognized with awards over 12 times over the last decade by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cities of Boston and Cambridge. We also provide ongoing services with a successful history for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and others.

Midway Artist Studios, at 15 Channel Center Street in Boston, is an historic masonry structure dating to 1904 in construction. The building was originally developed for mercantile purposes and was subsequently converted through adaptive reuse to provide work and residential spaces for an artist base community. The building is generally described as a 6-1/2 level above grade mass masonry and timber framed structure with low slope roof system characteristics. Of particular concern were two fire escapes believed to be dating to the original building construction. BET visited the site as required so as to facilitate a thorough survey of the existing conditions. The survey was conducted in a hands-on manner from grade, rooftop, fenestration openings, and the fire escapes. Following our field investigations, BET prepared reports including our observations, conclusions, and recommendations for remedial actions. Aside from the overall conditions of the building enclosure, noted concerns at the time were understood to include the masonry and appurtenant conditions of the east façade. The goal was to establish a long-term care and preservation program for the entire building of which a significant component would include the fire escapes.

We are proud to announce that Building Envelope Technologies, Inc. is a recipient of the 2024 Cambridge Preservation Awards for our work with 730-750 Main Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Working closely with Jacobs, Consigli Construction Co., Inc., and Black Diamond Realty, BET provided a comprehensive assessment and reporting of the existing conditions, which consisted of two early 20th century mid-rise industrial buildings of 4-5 levels each. We also provided design assistance for repairs and renovations, as well as for the construction of new building components. In addition, a new provision of an underground parking garage required our assistance for waterproofing. Construction administration services were also provided throughout the process. BET is regularly charged with the care of significant properties for institutions of note. Our work with historical properties has been recognized with awards over 12 times over the last decade by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the cities of Boston and Cambridge. We also provide ongoing services with a successful history for the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and others.

Phase II has begun! 🛠

Building Envelope Technologies, Inc., has provided continuing building envelope consulting services (since 1993) for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Our work with the Museum has provided analysis, design, and construction administration for multiple projects involving roofing, windows, skylights, and masonry restorations and replacements. We’re grateful that the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has entrusted us with such a beautiful building for decades, and look forward to continuing our work there!

It has been almost a month, and we are still bathing in the love that was present at The Pryde Opening celebration on June 28! Not in my wildest imagination would my younger self, 15 years ago would have been able to understand the impact of this work. Opening The Pryde to start welcoming its first residents fills my heart, but also keeps reminding me that the work we do for seniors goes beyond the pen on paper - it changes lives Charlie Adams you stuck by us no matter how sinuous the path was Karmen Cheung you held our hand along this sinuous path and until the finish line Aileen Montour you are the wind beneath our wings Gretchen Van Ness you are the wings that made us fly to this moment EVERYONE who touched this building did it with so much LOVE and dedication. It is more than just a building - The Pryde is an entire COMMUNITY DiMella Shaffer, Pennrose, LGBTQ Senior Housing Inc, NEI General Contracting, Mikyoung Kim, AKF Group, Thornton Tomasetti, R.W. Sullivan Engineering, Innova Services Corporation, L.A. Fuess Partners , Building Envelope Technologies, Inc., Lori Weissberg

Greystar and Building Envelope Technologies, Inc., teamed up once again in 2023 for the start of LTD Spring Run in Pittsburgh, PA. The new construction consists of six three-level above grade residential apartment buildings and a common clubhouse. The structures are typically above grade and incorporate steep slope roof system characteristics. The project is being constructed in part utilizing prefabricated wall assemblies, by Greystar subsidiary Modern Living Solutions. BET acted on the behest of the developer/owner to provide architectural engineering consulting as necessary for a design review of all aspects of the exterior building enclosure systems including, but not limited to, roofing systems, fenestration components, façade systems, air barriers, waterproofing, and such other building elements as have been associated with the provision of a complete exterior building(s) enclosure system. This has also included review of construction documents, proposed materials, shop drawings, contractor qualifications, and construction administration services, including periodic site visits and testing. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished product, and are grateful once again to Greystar for choosing us for their project needs.