Greenwood Building Envelope Services (GRS): Partnering with Massachusetts DCR to Preserve Public Spaces

Greenwood Building Envelope Services (GRS) is the professional service and maintenance division of Greenwood Industries. As experts in complete building envelope systems, GRS provides tailored solutions for everything from routine maintenance to comprehensive repairs and restorations.

For several years, GRS has been a trusted partner to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)—the state agency responsible for managing Massachusetts’ forests, parks, pools, ice rinks, and other public facilities. With a diverse portfolio of buildings, each with unique requirements, DCR relies on GRS’s expertise to address its ongoing maintenance and restoration needs.

“DCR projects are as eclectic as they come,” said GRS Project Manager Shane Dunn. “We’ve worked on everything from minor repairs to major roof replacements and masonry restoration across the state.”

Highlighted Projects

Magazine Beach: Cambridge, MA
Greenwood Industries’ longstanding reputation for excellence in commercial roofing extends to GRS’s work on large-scale public facilities. A prime example is Magazine Beach in Cambridge. The historic brick building, which houses the pool’s facilities, required a new roof in preparation for the busy summer season. GRS installed a durable EPDM roofing system, ensuring the structure is well-protected and ready to serve the community.

Moore State Park: Paxton, MA
At Moore State Park, GRS restored two historic structures, each requiring specialized attention and care:

• Sawmill Restoration: Upon arrival, the GRS team discovered that the historic wooden sawmill was home to a colony of baby bats. The project was temporarily paused to allow the bats to mature and leave the building safely. Once they departed, GRS completed the restoration with a beautiful cedar shake roof, preserving the sawmill’s historic character.
• Spaulding House Restoration: Nearby, Spaulding House, a historic schoolhouse, required both a roof replacement and masonry repairs. Demonstrating GRS’s full building envelope capabilities, the team installed a new asphalt shingle roof and repaired the chimney, ensuring the building remains a charming and well-preserved part of the park.

Myles Standish State Forest: Carver, MA
GRS faced a unique challenge at the Fearing Pond Picnic Bathhouse in Myles Standish State Forest. Significant structural repairs were needed before a permanent roof could be installed. To prevent further deterioration in the meantime, GRS implemented a long-term temporary solution by installing a TPO roof. This approach ensures the building is protected from the elements while plans for structural reinforcements and engineering are finalized.

Peddocks Island: Boston, MA
GRS’s work spans every corner of Massachusetts, including offshore projects like Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor. The team replaced the roof on the island’s historic chapel—a project that required unique logistics, including an amphibious landing to transport materials and equipment onto the beach. This successful re-roofing not only preserved the chapel but also showcased GRS’s adaptability to challenging work environments. The team is now preparing for additional projects on the Boston Harbor Islands.

Supporting DCR’s Mission

In addition to these large-scale restorations, GRS performs numerous smaller repairs across the state, helping ensure DCR’s facilities remain safe and functional for public use. Whether addressing minor roof repairs, masonry touch-ups, or emergency maintenance, GRS delivers responsive, reliable service.

From historic restorations and innovative temporary solutions to large-scale roof replacements, GRS’s partnership with the Massachusetts DCR highlights the team’s versatility and expertise. By preserving and protecting these essential public buildings, GRS helps ensure they remain a vital part of Massachusetts’ landscape for generations to come.