Naumkeag Estate Restoration

Naumkeag located in Stockbridge MA is a Berkshire "cottage" from the gilded age. Designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White in 1885 as the summer estate for Joseph Hodges Choate (1832–1917), a prominent New York City attorney and his daughter Mabel. The house is built in the Shingle Style with a wood-shingled exterior featuring brick and stone towers, prominent gables, large porch, and interiors with fine woodwork. It contains the Choate family's furniture, Chinese porcelain, and artwork collected from America, Europe, and the Far East. The estate boasts extensive gardens designed by Mabel Choate and famed landscape architect Fletcher Steele. In 1956 it was bequeathed to the Trustees of Reservations.

The Trustees of Reservations hired Allegrone to act as construction manager for a 5-part restoration project at the historic Naumkeag property. Part of the project included a complete roof restoration on the main Naumkeag building. In keeping with historical norms, the restoration involved steaming and bending the shingles to match the curved shape of the roof-line. In time the shingles will weather to a silvery grey color and become naturalized.