MARLBOROUGH, Mass.— Four redevelopment projects featuring historic replica windows manufactured by Universal Window were recognized at the 2026 Preservation Massachusetts Historic Preservation Awards, highlighting the role of specialized building components in preserving and adapting some of the Commonwealth’s most significant historic structures.
The annual awards ceremony, held June 11 at 521 Overlook at historic Fenway Park, brought together preservation professionals from across Massachusetts under the theme “Preservation is Revolutionary,” marking 250 years of history and celebrating projects that demonstrate the continued relevance of historic preservation in modern development.
Universal Window, a Marlborough-based manufacturer specializing in precision-engineered aluminum windows for historic restoration and adaptive reuse projects, supplied custom window systems to four award-winning developments recognized across two major categories: the Paul & Niki Tsongas Award and the Mayor Thomas M. Menino Legacy Award.
The Tsongas Award honors individuals and projects demonstrating exceptional commitment to historic preservation in Massachusetts. This year’s recipient was The Residences on Appleton in Holyoke, where WinnCompanies transformed a long-vacant historic mill complex into 88 affordable senior housing units for residents aged 55 and older. Keith Construction served as general contractor, with The Architectural Team leading design.
The Menino Legacy Award recognizes transformative redevelopment projects that revitalize historic assets while fostering community partnerships and long-term impact. Among this year’s honorees was The Residences at Mill 8 in Ludlow, a 123-year-old mill converted into 95 mixed-income senior apartments and restored with its signature clock tower preserved. Westmass Area Development Corporation and WinnCompanies led the redevelopment, with Dellbrook serving as general contractor and The Architectural Team as architect.
Additional Menino Legacy Award winners included two artist-focused housing developments. The Fitchburg Arts Community, developed by NewVue Communities in partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum, converted three historic municipal buildings into 68 mixed-income apartments with an artist-preference housing model. Beverly Village for Living & the Arts, co-developed by Beacon Communities and Harborlight Homes, created 85 income-restricted senior apartments along with six live/work studios designed for artists. Keith Construction managed construction for both projects, while ICON Architecture designed the Fitchburg development and SV Design led the Beverly project.
All four projects incorporated custom historic replica windows manufactured by Universal Window, reflecting the company’s focus on precision restoration products designed to meet National Park Service and National Register of Historic Places standards.
“It is once again an honor to be a part of so many projects that were recognized by Preservation Massachusetts,” said Jeff Reilly, President and CEO of Universal Window and Door. “Our employees take tremendous pride in their work, and our contributions to these award-winning projects cement our reputation among developers and construction firms as the go-to window manufacturer for historic renovation projects.”
Preservation Massachusetts, the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth’s historic and cultural heritage, hosts the annual awards program to recognize outstanding achievements in preservation. The organization works in partnership with local, state, and national groups to support preservation efforts across Massachusetts.
Universal Window, founded in 1968, provides aluminum window systems for historic restoration, adaptive reuse, and new commercial construction projects throughout the United States. The company’s historic product lines are designed to meet stringent preservation standards while supporting modern performance requirements.
