Giving History a Fresh Start: The Turner Group and the Park Street Building Renovation

Located in the heart of Concord, New Hampshire, the Park Street Building has been a cornerstone of the New Hampshire Historical Society since it opened its doors in 1911. Designed by the renowned Guy Lowell, the building stands as a remarkable example of Beaux Arts architecture. But even the most timeless structures need care to stand strong for coming generations.

When the Historical Society set out to update its headquarters, they were looking to do more than make repairs, they wanted to honor the building’s legacy while preparing it for another century of service. The Turner Group was proud to be part of this journey.

One of the toughest hurdles? The skylights. These beautiful design features, which flood the second floor with natural light, also brought problems like heat loss, UV damage to artifacts, and fluctuating humidity. Simply removing them wasn’t an option.

Instead, The Turner Group helped design a nearly invisible system of barriers beneath the skylights. This solution blocked harmful UV rays, improved insulation, and preserved the skylights as key features of the building’s architecture.

Turner Group also tackled the outdated steam heating system. By reimagining the building’s original air circulation design, we installed a modern, natural-gas-fired climate control system that protects the Society’s invaluable collections.

By the time renovations wrapped up, the results spoke for themselves. The building’s carbon footprint was slashed by an impressive 75%, and energy costs were cut in half. Better yet, the updates left the building’s historic charm intact. It was about finding the right middle ground between respecting the past and preparing for the future.

The project didn’t just stop at functional upgrades. It made a statement about what preservation can look like when innovation meets respect for history. Helping the Park Street Building shine for another century was a privilege. At The Turner Group, we don’t just work on buildings, we help protect the stories they tell. This project is a reminder of why we love what we do: blending creativity and care to make sure history and progress go hand in hand.