Northeast
Old Academy and Village Hall
As part of our work on three historic buildings on the Centre Common, SGH assessed and rehabilitated the slate roof at Old Academy and the south facing asphalt shingle roof at Village Hall.
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
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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
Art Complex Museum
Constructed to house the collections of Carl A. Weyerhaeuser, the original gallery building opened in 1971 with spaces for permanent and rotating exhibits. SGH served as the structural engineer for the new entrance and modifications to support upgrades to the fire suppression system.