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

Project Summary

completion-date

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

Paul Kelley
Paul Kelley
Senior Principal
Phone icon781.907.9332 Email iconplkelley@sgh.com

Additional Projects

Northeast

Tubular Bells at Lafayette Square

As part of this project, Adam Simha, a Cambridge-based artist and metalsmith, designed Tubular Bells to give visitors an opportunity to play music in Lafayette Square. SGH consulted on the structural design for the bells’ support structures.
Northeast

War Memorial Pool Complex

SGH investigated the condition of the pool deck to help inform the city as they planned for renovations.
See All Projects