May 25, 2001

It began as a joinery shop, where Navy rescue and minesweeping vessels were crafted on the banks of Boston Harbor. Building 114 in Charlestown then lay dormant for 30 years, until a 1990 drive to expand available space at the MGH gave the structure new life. In an opening ceremony May 16, the newly renovated building was unveiled both as a state-of-the-art biomedical research laboratory and a public Boston HarborWalk attraction.

Anne B. Young, MD, PhD, chief of MGH Neurology and of the Center for Aging, Genetics and Neurodegeneration (CAGN) — which will have its new headquarters in Building 114 — noted the building's significance in studying and fighting neurodegenerative diseases. "It is fitting that the new center is housed in this historic building, which once housed life and rescue boats," she said. "We think that our efforts now will promote life and rescue research."

James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, and Samuel O. Thier, MD, president and CEO of Partners HealthCare, described the building as symbolic of future growth and progress for Partners and the MGH. "This new space will enable us to expand our research beyond anything we dreamed of," Mongan said. "Where raw wood was shaped into ships, great science now will occur."

Thier credited the hard work and vision of Keen Development Corporation, led by Bob Kuehn, for "giving the people in this building the facility they deserve." Kuehn presented a ceremonial key to Young after thanking the numerous community participants who contributed to the successful renovation efforts, including CWC Builders, Inc., The Architectural Team/Payette Associates, BR & A Engineers, Inc., Santoro Associates, Inc., the Boston Landmarks Commission, the Boston Historic Commission, the Boston Redevelopment Association, Joseph and Elaine Timilty and Partners.

Right, Kuehn presents a ceremonial Building 114 key to Young.