Firm Description
The partnership of Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects, LLP brings together the expertise
and experience of John I Mesick, James A. Cohen, Laurence F. Wilson and M. Jeffrey Baker.
Having specialized in the discipline of historic preservation for nearly four decades, the firm
prides itself in maintaining a practice with broad collective experience at all levels. The staff's
successful record, achieved over such a long period of time, is an indication of its ability to
manage projects requiring the coordination of numerous consultants and frequently many levels
of government oversight. The majority of the firm’s work involves structures listed in the
National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks. In those instances
involving listed buildings, we have implemented creative solutions and interpretations to ensure
compliance with building and fire codes, Secretary of the Interior's Standards for historic
preservation and ADA regulations.
The firm has repeatedly demonstrated their leadership in design and preservation of the highest
quality with projects such as the New York State Capitol, Vermont State House, Tennessee State
Capitol, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Thomas Jefferson’s homes, Monticello
and Poplar Forest. Conversely, the firm is equally skilled at the seamless period design of
contemporary modern architecture within historic contexts, such as National Register districts,
college campuses, and museum settings.
It is Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects belief that each project mandates its individual
solution. The techniques involved in our approach to projects have earned the firm a recognized
reputation in the field of architecture and historic preservation. Our philosophical approach to
any project is that each is unique and that solutions to restoration and additions must be born out
of careful and thorough analysis of all aspects of the building conservation requirements,
program, context, budget and schedule. The process responds to the need to document the
historic evolution of a structure, investigate existing conditions, understand the needs and intent
of the owner and craft solutions within the confines of the project. Our emphasis on working
closely with the owner and carefully coordinating the work of our consultants, with whom we
have long-term relationships, ensures the best possible environment for the successful
completion of a project.
Frequently the starting point for a restoration project is the preparation of a historic structure
report or preservation plan. Comprised of a survey of existing conditions, a chronology of
interventions over the life of the structure, schematic plans for reuse where appropriate, an
analysis of pertinent code compliance and preliminary cost estimates, a study of this type is
invaluable in prioritizing and phasing a project. Many such reports have been completed by the
staff, including the Fort Johnson Historic Structure Report which was reprinted by the National
Park Service for use as a standard when projects receiving funding through the National Historic
Preservation Act require studies.
Notable works include the addition to and restoration of Blair House (the President’s
Guesthouse, Washington, D.C.), the SUNY Albany Field House, the Albany Law School Library
addition as well as private historic residences. Projects the firm has received awards for include:
Hancock’s Resolution, Pasadena, Maryland – restoration of a 1760 house from the Maryland
Historical Trust; Chatham Union Station, Chatham, New York – adaptive use of a former
railroad station as a branch bank from New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation; Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, Virginia – restoration and reconstruction of Thomas
Jefferson’s retreat from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, James Madison’s
Montpelier, Orange, Virginia – investigation and documentation of the mansion’s original
configuration – the Buchanan Award from the Vernacular Architecture Forum, 2003 and the
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, New York – Preservation Award for
Restoration of a Prominent Landmark - New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation.