Southampton BoE Administration Building

Vincentown, NJ

This project is a good example how public bodies can work together to create a strong community asset.

Built in 1875 as a Victorian farmhouse, in 1990 the Southampton BoE purchased the building along with property needed for a school expansion. At that time, the BoE renovated the interior of the farmhouse to accommodate their District administrative offices. In 2006, the BoE decided to renovate the exterior of the Board Office. The primary motivation was to create a more watertight envelope. At the same time, it was an opportunity to make the building’s exterior façade more appropriate to the character of the historic Village of Vincentown.

During the Schematic Design phase, the BoE and RYEBREAD as their Architect-of-Record brought the design to the municipal Preservation Commission, seeking their input on materials, colors, and details. Together, they agreed upon the exterior improvements such as renovating the siding & mansard roof, as well as installing traditional windows, corner boards, trim, light fixtures, gutters & downspouts.

Upon completion, the project received Preservation awards from the Southampton Township Council and the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. They recognized that it improved the integrity and appearance of the historic property, while contributing to the continued vitality and aesthetics of Vincentown Village and to the Township’s historic resources as a whole.

According to Barbara Godfrey, the BoE Business Administrator, “RYEBREAD’s outstanding design, MD Remodeling’s wonderful execution, and the BoE’s commitment turned this soggy and drafty ugly ducking into the beautiful swan it was meant to be.”

Completion: 2007
Client: Southampton Board of Ed., Southampton, NJ
RYEBREAD Project Manager: Roy Ruby
General Contractor: MD Remodeling; Cecil, NJ
Photographer: Ross/Taylor Photo; Princeton, NJ