This renovation of a former fraternal club in Harvard Square houses the research component of Soka Gakkai International - USA. SGI is an international Buddhist institution based in Japan, which promotes international understanding through cultural and educational efforts. The Boston Research Center was established to organize and host meetings and conferences on topics of global importance.
The new Center occupies a building which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The poorly maintained building was completely renovated to provide a 120 seat main conference hall and many smaller conference and seminar rooms as well as the Center’s administrative offices.
With approval of the local Historic Commission, the interior of the building was gutted and restored, the exterior was repaired and all accessibility requirements were met.