In early 2010, Alpine Environmental was contracted by Save Our Heritage to perform lead paint removal and paint restoration at Barrett’s Farm, a house of great historic importance built in 1705 in Concord, Massachusetts.
The Barrett Farm was the residence of Colonel James Barrett, who was in charge of the Colonial Troops in the first battle of the Revolutionary War at the North Bridge on April 19, 1775. His home was the site of many formative meetings of the war, and was the secret storage place of the Colonial Army’s weapons. Our job was to remove dozens of coats of paint, while preserving the original centuries old finish. It was an intricate process, requiring craftsmanship and patience.
After almost two thousand hours of meticulous work, the results were hailed by the project's preservation specialists. (See what they had to say below.) Alpine is proud to be a part of the preservation of this national treasure. You can be confident that when Alpine is working on your project, we have what it takes to get you the results you need.
Our work at the Colonel Barrett house was highlighted on PBS's This Old House when Norm Abrams came by to do a special feature on the restoration project. See our This Old House page to view the video of our show. Colonel Barrett's House is now fully restored and is a permanent part of the Minuteman National Park. It is thrilling to know that our work will be viewed by countless thousands of people over the years both as they visit the National Park and also see it highlighted on PBS's This Old House program.
"I know of no other house in which so much decorative finish history is intact, revealed and easily readable. The work in uncovering this is remarkable! Thanks for the great work you are all doing." — Marylou Davis, Art Conservator and President Marylou Davis Inc. Woodstock, CT "Alpine managed to save most of the early finish including the baseboards, so it looks more “original” than almost any place else I have seen."
— Frederic C. Detwiller, Architect, Preservation Planner
New England Landmarks, Georgetown, MA
The Colonel Barrett House in Concord, Massachusetts, as it undergoes its restoration by the "Save Our Heritage" Foundation.
The Colonel James Barrett House, Concord, MA. Built in 1705. Now part of the Minuteman National Park.
Historical Slideshow
The 18th century woodwork was covered in dozens of coats of paint.
Historical Slideshow
Much of the paint was in poor condition due to the house being vacant for many years.
Historical Slideshow
After meticulously stripping away the top coats, Alpine was able to reveal the original finish.
Historical Slideshow
Much of the woodwork was done during a 1768 renovation. These raised panel walls and doors now look just like they did back when British soldiers searched the house for munitions on April 19, 1775.
Historical Slideshow
The central stairway before restoration.
Historical Slideshow
Even after restoration, the central stairway shows years of wear from the active Barrett household.
Historical Slideshow
The East Chamber before restoration.
Historical Slideshow
The East Chamber after restoration. This room is true to the original style of the house when it was built in 1705. The more ornate raised panels done in 1768 by Col. Barrett are found in the 1st floor and the Master Chamber.
Historical Slideshow
"This Old House" cameraman Stephen D’Onofrio films Alpine Project Manager Keith Adams on July 29, 2011.
Historical Slideshow
Alpine Operations Manager Jason Roy and President Ron Peik with Norm Abrams in Col. Barrett's Muster Room.
Historical Slideshow
The This Old House crew with Alpine and the rest of the Col. Barrett's House Team, July 29, 2011.
Testimonials
Alpine Environmental was meticulous, professional, and always in communication from the beginning to end. They are concerned with the heath and welfare of their workers as well as the family that lives in the home they work on...They were worth every penny!
The Colonel Barrett House in Concord, Massachusetts, as it undergoes its restoration by the "Save Our Heritage" Foundation.
