Boston, MA
Boston Public Library
Scope/Solutions
The Boston Public Library, an Italian Renaissance Revival building completed in 1895, was designed by McKim Mead & White. The Boston Public Library needed a complete restoration. SGH was the structural engineer and building enclosure consultant for a major rehabilitation and renovation.
SGH assisted with several projects at the Boston Public Library, including the following:
Plaza Waterproofing Repairs
- Investigated and prepared plans and specifications for complete reconstruction of the main entrance plaza
- Removed pavers and replaced the deteriorated plaza waterproofing
Arcade Restoration
- Consulted on restoring the plaza above the inner courtyard arcade to allow for public space
- Designed a new plaza waterproofing system
- Examined structural capacity of the Guastavino vaulting and verified geometry and load path in the field
Roof Restoration
- Investigated the clay tile roof, built-in gutter, and copper flashing conditions and prepared plans and specifications for replacement
- Preserved the decorative copper elements and bronze cheneau
- Installed skylights that were included in the original design
Foundation Repairs
- Evaluated the condition of 100-year-old structural wood piles to assess the remaining service life
- Identified extent and location of decay
Photo by Nate Lindsay
1 of 7
Project Summary
1997
Completion Date
Solutions
Preservation
Services
Structures | Building Enclosures
Markets
Culture & Entertainment
Client(s)
Boston Public Library | Shepley Bulfinch
Specialized Capabilities
Geotechnical | Preservation | Roofing & Waterproofing
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
Athol Public Library
SGH was the building enclosure commissioning agent for the Athol Public Library, which earned the first-ever LEED platinum certification for a historic public library.
Northeast
2015 Design Biennial Boston, Tectonics of Transparency: The Tower
Second in Cristina Parreño's Tectonics of Transparency series, The Tower was a temporary installation on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. SGH provided structural design services for The Tower and the first Tectonics of Transparency installation, The Wall.