Integrating a historic neighborhood into the urban fabric

Since 2012 Placework has supported Strawberry Banke Museum in its mission to holistically preserve the stories and artifacts of the Puddle Dock neighborhood, located in Portsmouth’s South End. Our long relationship gives the Museum Leadership confidence that Placework is at the ready to help them assess challenges, weigh options, and devise an action plan

In some instances, we identify specific expertise that is needed and help source the right consultant or contractor to do the job. In other cases, we provide the services needed, sourcing expertise to meet the specific needs of the situation from our network of accomplished consultants.

Placework and Strawbery Banke Museum have collaborated on many projects including two historic house renovations, concept design for a preservation & education center, planning and coordination of an ice-skating rink, a historic building assessment report, and designs for a boat building workshop, garden structure, and even a chicken coop.

Recently our work has focused on planning for resilience, including a comprehensive stormwater management strategy as well as a new design to interpret the historic Puddle Dock as the centerpiece of both the visitor experience and the flood management system.