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
Exeter Street Theater
Hartwell and Richardson designed the Exeter Street Theater in the 1880s as the first Spiritualist Temple in Boston. In 1995, a fire severely damaged the theater. Within twenty-four hours, SGH assessed the damage, developed a stabilization program, and began remedial design.
Northeast
Symphony Hall
The auditorium, a National Historic Landmark, is home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). The BSO hired SGH to investigate the condition of the building enclosure and design repairs to extend the useful life of their highly regarded concert hall.