Harvard University - Dunster House

Located on the banks of the Charles River, Harvard’s Dunster House derives its name from Henry Dunster, the first president of Harvard College elected in 1640. The House was completed in 1930 after University President Abbott Lawrence Lowell proposed a House Plan to construct seven dormitories to separate upperclassmen from the freshman.

Grand Light designed and manufactured thirty cast iron custom lanterns replicating the style of an existing exterior lantern, Type AEX03. Based off an existing exterior wall lantern, the custom lanterns were made in two sizes with surface or corner mounting brackets. Eight custom frosted seedy glass panels were fitted by Grand Light technicians to each custom lantern attributing to a total of over 200 glass panels. Our extended life exterior satin black finish was applied incorporating multiple applications of primer, top color coats, and protective layers of UV resistant lacquer. All fixtures were wired with UL listed components and HIPOT tested in accordance with UL standard 1598.

In addition to these custom lantern fabrications, the project required the restoration of twenty-eight original luminaries ranging from large chandeliers, wall sconces, pendant lights, and exterior lanterns.

Project Accolades

“The program celebrates outstanding historic preservation projects and the commitment of the individuals that make Cambridge a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.”