Projects » Harvard, Weld Boathouse

HARVARD UNIVERSITY, WELD BOATHOUSE
CAMBRIDGE, MA

Harvard University’s rowing programs are among the oldest and most successful in collegiate rowing. Peterson Architects collaborated with Bruner Cott Architects to renovate both of Harvard’s boathouses: Newell, home to the men’s programs, and Weld, which serves the women’s teams, rowing as Radcliffe.

Both boathouses were originally designed by Peabody and Stearns Architects, with Newell completed in 1901 and Weld in 1906. They are both located in the Charles River Basin Historic District. Each building withstood over a century of consistent and intense use without major renovations.

Renovated in 2023, Weld Boathouse serves as a gateway to the University at the south end of Harvard’s Cambridge campus. Weld features a terracotta structure, tile roof, and iron roof trusses.

The renovation sought to rejuvenate the building, making thoughtful and respectful modifications while honoring the original design, and the patina it has cultivated over the years. New materials were carefully selected to be sympathetic to this context.

Interior modifications have created functional improvements. For example, new boat, oar, and equipment storage have improved capacity and better protect the building’s expensive contents. Training space has been expanded and building accessibility has been improved. Also, the building was updated with new highly-efficient mechanical and electrical systems.

The result is a building that incorporates modern components while respecting its historic grandeur. Weld Boathouse won a 2024 Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Photography by Peterson Architects