“Another addition on the west side of the building was built to create an auditorium and classrooms.” That sentence echoes in my mind as we approach Fay House. This Federal style mansion stands before us. It is the administrative heart of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University.
Fay House has a rich history. It begins in 1807 with Nathaniel Ireland. Ireland was a builder who faced financial difficulties. He had to mortgage the property just two years later.
In 1814, Dr. Joseph McKean, a Harvard graduate, bought Fay House at auction. McKean’s time here was short. After his death in 1818, the house changed hands several times. Stephen Higginson, bursar of Harvard College, purchased it in 1831.
A significant change came in 1870. A mansard roof was added to Fay House. However, this roof was later removed in 1890. A third story was added to house the college library. An addition was also made to the south side of the building. All of these additions altered the look of Fay House.
Radcliffe College acquired Fay House in 1885. It was their first permanent building. Before this, Radcliffe was known as the Society for the Collegiate Instruction of Women. Fay House became a symbol of their growing presence.
The house is named after Samuel Prescott Phillips Fay. He owned the house in the 1830s. Fay was a Harvard College graduate. He later became a probate judge for Middlesex County.
Alice Longfellow, a founder of Radcliffe College, played a role in Fay House’s transformation. She donated funds for remodeling. The Colonial Revival style was chosen. Her cousin, architect Alexander W. Longfellow Jr., oversaw the work. This remodeling was completed in 1890.
Longfellow Jr. also managed another expansion in 1892. This included a third story and a skylit library. More classrooms and laboratory space were created. These additions helped Fay House meet the needs of a growing college.
Fay House has seen many changes. It has evolved to meet the needs of Radcliffe College. Today, it houses the administrative offices of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.
In 2013, Fay House underwent a renovation. This renovation included upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems. There were also improvements to life safety and accessibility. The renovation aimed to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality. All of this while preserving the building’s historic features.
Sustainable systems were incorporated. These include ground source heat pumps and LED lights. Responsible construction practices were followed. Impressively, 97% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
Fay House stands as a testament to preservation and progress. It blends history with modern innovation. The Gardiner Room, Sheerr Room and Atkinson Room are notable interior spaces. Fay House is part of the Old Cambridge National Register. It holds cultural, historic, and artistic merit.