History has come alive at 25 Highland Avenue in Newton. Once the site of the late 19th-century 'Highland Villa' hotel, the building is now home to the Highland Ave Condos. It sits in the heart of the historic Newton Highlands district, renowned for its charming collection of late Victorian homes.

Challenges with the Brick Façade

During a previous project, a section of the brick veneer failed when a contractor removed a concrete landing to replace a set of stairs. The landing had been supporting the brick, and once removed, the masonry was compromised. BCG was brought in to perform a survey, which revealed that the brick was in poor condition—allowing water to penetrate the structure—and that the brick ties had all corroded and failed.

Choosing a Historically Accurate Restoration

Two options were considered: remove and rebuild the brick veneer or return the façade to its original wood siding. The client opted for the historically accurate approach: restoring the wood siding exterior. This solution addressed structural issues while honoring the building’s 19th-century charm, guided by old photographs to replicate the original design (minus the porches).

By removing the layers of brick to reveal the building’s original design, the project preserves its historic character. BCG takes pride in this restoration, combining the building’s historic charm with modern structural strength, keeping this historic building strong and vibrant for the future.