Alternatives’ Whitin Mill Complex has received a 2009 Preservation Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. The awards are given in several categories to organizations that preserve the cultural heritage and historic resources of Massachusetts. Alternatives was nominated for the Adaptive Reuse Award by the Northbridge Historical Commission.

The award recognizes the renovation of the former Whitinsville Spinning Ring Company and the original 1826 Paul Whitin Mill into a complex which houses Alternatives’ administrative offices, an art gallery, theater, artisan spaces and a site for a future restaurant. All of this focused around a riverside community plaza and utilizing green technologies.

In presenting the award, Brona Simon, Executive director of the Massachusetts Historical Commission noted, “This broadly diverse adaptive reuse project converted five buildings into a mixed-use facility that is remarkable for its incorporation of renewable energy technologies and the creation of space for community events.”

“This State Preservation Award is an honor for the community,” said Kenneth Warchol, Chairman of the Northbridge Historical Commission. “It represents the culmination of years of intense effort by Alternatives to preserve the history and architectural integrity of our town. The old mill is the gem of the Whitinsville National Register District and the entire community has something to be proud of with this adaptive reuse project. It has once again made the Whitin Mill Complex a viable living part of the community.”

In accepting the award, Dennis Rice, Executive Director of Alternatives said, “We are extremely honored to receive the 2009 Preservation Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission. So many people helped us successfully capture and then craft our vision of turning an out of work mill into an inclusive community treasure for the whole region to enjoy.”

Alternatives is a non-profit agency currently serving over 1000 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 55 residential, employment and day programs through central Massachusetts.