Martin Tierney Records

Collection contains the architectural records, drawings, photographs, and office files of The Office of Martin S. Tierney, based in Burlington, Vermont, from its inception in 1975 to 2002. Projects were primarily in Vermont and consist of historic public structures and private residences. Collection contents are organized into project files, office records, drawings, and photograph albums.

The approximately 12.92 linear feet of project files are arranged in alphabetical order by project title, if known, or building name or address. They consist of correspondence, memos, billings, requisitions, specifications, research materials, contracts, legal records, change orders, bid documents, reports, punch lists, and sketches. Contents document Tierney's project management, the design process, and communications with clients.

The 11 map-case drawers and 46 rolled drawings include design sketches and the construction drawings that represent the latest record of the project as built that are extant. These drawing document primarily the schematic design and design development stages, with construction drawings and as-builts present for larger, later projects or smaller private residences. There are also a number of historic plans in the collection.

4 photograph albums contain project images in a variety of mediums: prints, slides, negatives & proofs; these are arranged in alphabetical order by project title. Photographs document existing conditions, construction, and completed projects.

The approximately 2.5 linear feet of office records are arranged in alphabetical order and include legal records, project management records, proposals, news clippings, billings, reference materials, and the correspondence and meeting minutes of Tierney's affiliated professional organizations.

This collection is particular useful for documenting changes made to notable historic structures throughout Vermont. Tierney, in addition to architectural design projects, also completed a number of conservation assessments, village revitalization plans, and feasibility studies, which may be of interest to researchers. The collection also contains a rich selection of articles and publications from the 1980s and 1990s on historic preservation, urban renewal, and containing sprawl. The architectural records in this collection vary greatly in breadth and are not complete--some projects are represented only through drawings or photographs, while others have only project files. Project files also vary greatly in organization: early projects (from the late 1970s to mid 1980s) have been assigned a project number and folders were arranged by subtitles, while later projects (from the late 1980s to early 2000s) were often identified by the client's name and/or building name. Contents have been arranged by the archivist in alphabetical order; however, larger projects consisted of numerous accordion folders and binders and their original order has been retained.