Architecture alum receives lifetime achievement award for historic preservation work

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – James G. Alexander, senior principal of Finegold Alexander Architects in Boston, has been named the recipient of the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s 2019 Individual Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the 50+ years he has spent preserving some of the state’s most historic resources. Alexander graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in Architecture in 1965. Among Alexander’s numerous contributions to preservation movement projects are the Ellis Island National Monument, Boston’s Old City Hall, Charlestown Navy Yard, University of Massachusetts Old Chapel and many libraries, schools and historic buildings. Under his leadership at Finegold Alexander, the firm has become nationally recognized for historic preservation, adaptive use and urban revitalization projects that have preserved neighborhoods and important buildings throughout Massachusetts and nationally. Alexander himself has been responsible for a wide range of projects including the design of new structures, renovations, restorations and additions to historic buildings, and urban revitalization planning. Ever the proud Penn Stater, Alexander made an estate commitment in 2016 to establish the James G. Alexander Program Support Fund for the Department of Architecture to support professional practice activities in the department.