Earl of Sandwich Wins Preservation Achievement Award

The building that currently houses the Earl of Sandwich Cafe on Boston Common will be a recipient of a Boston Preservation Alliance 2013 Preservation Achievement Award, to be handed out in October.

According to the Boston Preservation Alliance, the awards "recognize the city’s best examples of historic preservation, sensitive new development, and skillful reconstruction - key components of Boston's rich past, promising future, and current vitality."

The Alliance said the building was originally constructed in the 1920s as a public restroom and eventually became known as the Men's Comfort Station.

The Earl of Sandwich came in to the structure, which had been vacant since the 1970s. According to the Alliance, a full renovation was required.

"The transformation of this building from a decrepit, old restroom to a feature of the Common is nothing short of remarkable. This is a real example of turning a lemon into lemonade and has brought new energy and destination to the Common," said Greg Galer, Executive Director of the Boston Preservation Alliance in a statement.

The awards will take place Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theater on Washington Street. Tickets can be purchased here.