Martha’s Vineyard Through Patrick Ahearn’s Eyes

Focus on All Things New England! Having trouble viewing this email? [View this email on the web](. MARCH 27, 2021 Martha’s Vineyard Through Patrick Ahearn’s Eyes A celebrity architect reflects on what makes the island meaningful to him. Sponsored by: [Patrick Ahearn Architect LLC]( Patrick Ahearn and one of his many Martha’s Vineyard projects. A discussion of classic American vernacular wouldn’t be complete without mention of AIA Fellow Patrick Ahearn, whose timeless designs balance the romance of traditional architecture with the ideals of modernism. With a career spanning more than four decades, Ahearn is well known for elevating the Edgartown Village Historic District on Martha’s Vineyard into an exquisite seaside village enjoyed by both visitors and year-round residents. The Vineyard holds important meaning for Ahearn, who today shares what makes the island so special to him. Q: Why is Martha’s Vineyard so significant for you? The cumulative work that I’ve done on Martha’s Vineyard represents my proudest professional accomplishment. It’s not one particular project, because I’ve done nearly 300 on the island—residences, commercial spaces, and civic spaces alike. It’s the ensemble of buildings that I’ve been able to reinvigorate that makes the island so special for me. Watch & Learn: Preserving History on Martha’s Vineyard Come along as Patrick Ahearn, FAIA, and Executive Director of The Vineyard Trust, Funi Burdick, discuss how the former Martha's Vineyard Library was saved from neglect and integrated back into the community as The Carnegie. [WATCH NOW]( SPONSORED Q: How did it all begin? Thirty years ago my wife and I bought a little home in Edgartown that had been in foreclosure, and early on I had a sort of epiphany. I saw potential with the deterioration of the house and the neighborhood, which each had incredible history. I started doing a home-of-the-week sketch in the newspaper—a vignette of what could be. Those vignettes turned into 26 projects that summer alone, and the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, I’ve had a strong hand in the revitalization of the community, especially in Edgartown Village. The Atlantic Boathouse building at the end of Commercial Street really became a catalyst that breathed new life into the commercial district. There’s now a rich background for retail, more restaurants and shops, and a much more vibrant feel overall. Q: What are some of your favorite places on Martha’s Vineyard? On the Vineyard, my favorite places are social, natural, and communal. Socially, my favorite place to be is Alchemy on Main Street. They always have a terrific crowd and fabulous food. Within nature, my go-to spot is Aquinnah. My beach shacks up there are a peaceful island oasis reminiscent of a bygone time. Communally, Edgartown Village tops my list. I’ve restored so much of the town, and being involved so deeply in the resurgence gives me a sense of pride whenever I am there. Timeless Architecture by Patrick Ahearn Architect Specializing in classic American architecture for contemporary living and sensitive to the original spirit of every property and its surrounding neighborhood, the team at Patrick Ahearn Architect creates authentic homes that are simply timeless. [LEARN MORE]( SPONSORED Q: Tell us about your work as chairman of the Vineyard Trust. I’m now in my fourth year as chairman of the Vineyard Trust, which was established more than 40 years ago to acquire endangered historic landmarks on the island, restoring them and putting them back into public use. I’ve worked pro bono on a number of the Trust’s buildings, like Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs and The Carnegie in Edgartown. Once in total disrepair, the chapel is now used for religious activities and community gatherings and is really the heart of the Campground. The Carnegie today is open to the public as a heritage center that tells the story of the Trust and its 20-plus properties. For me, as both an architect and preservationist, it has been a joy to be involved with the Trust’s work. Q: What are you most looking forward to doing on the Vineyard once Covid subsides? Without question I’m most looking forward to reengaging with the people I’ve come to know and love on the Vineyard on a regular basis. The chance to run into friends, to have spontaneous conversations—that’s been a real void during Covid. I especially miss that interaction related to the Vineyard, and can’t wait to get it back. [Unsubscribe]( [Forward to a Friend]( [Send Feedback]( [Facebook](   [Instagram](    [Pinterest](    [Twitter](   Help us be sure that this email newsletter gets to your inbox. Adding our return address [Today@NewEngland.com]( to your address book may "whitelist" us with your filter, helping future email newsletters get to your inbox. 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