By Evanthia Malliris
The Belmont Historical Society presented the 2019 David R. Johnson Preservation Award to Michael A. Smith, AIA, at its annual meeting this spring. Smith was nominated for his work on the rehabilitation and restoration of the Belmont Police Station Building as well as more than two decades on the Belmont Historic District Commission.
“Mike brings a deep architecture knowledge, commitment to historic preservation, and a collaborative spirit to the Belmont Historic District Commission that has contributed significantly to many of the commission’s successes, including the adoption of two new historic districts, completion of a town-wide historic resource inventory, and the Demolition Delay bylaw,” stated nominators Michael Chesson and Lauren Meier. Meier is co-chair and Chesson is a member of the Belmont Historic District Commission.
The Belmont Police Station is a Georgian Revival building designed by H. Thaxter Underwood, part of the town’s civic core that includes the historic Town Hall, School Administration Building, Homer Building, and Electric Light Building. In early July, a groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the restoration of the building. Smith’s architectural and historic preservation expertise was key in working with the Belmont Police Station Building Committee and Department of Public Works toward a careful and thoughtful design that adds much-needed square footage to the building without compromising its historic character. He was also recognized for his collaborative approach, skill, and commitment.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission has recently determined that the police station building is eligible for listing on the National Registry of Historic Places. (Courtesy of The Galante Architecture Studio, Inc.)
The David R. Johnson Preservation Award is named after a longtime member and officer of the Belmont Historical Society and is given to individuals or organizations that have made a notable contribution to preserving structures or land in Belmont. Visit belmonthistoricalsociety.org for more information.
Evanthia Malliris is a director of the Belmont Citizens Forum.
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