Working with Goody Clancy, SGH helped develop an HSR for the Richardson Center Corporation. We assessed the condition of the administration building, the remaining patient wards, and several support buildings, all of which were unoccupied for decades. SGH observed severe deterioration of the wood floor framing and exterior walls, identified portions of the abandoned structures at risk of failing, and worked with local structural engineers to design shoring.

Richardson Center Corporation raised funds to adapt a portion of the site and SGH served as the building enclosure consultant and structural engineer for the rehabilitation of three buildings. Highlights of our work include the following:

• Assessed the structures’ and building enclosures’ condition

• Examined the wood framing to identify species and strength

• Analyzed existing floor framing and established capacities for each room to help the architect coordinate programming, while minimizing strengthening

• Helped the architect evaluate proposed modifications to limit the code-required upgrades and avoid a seismic retrofit

• Designed two steel trusses embedded within an existing wall to create new openings in masonry bearing walls below the ballroom

• Designed new framing and structural modifications for interior alterations and a new entry vestibule addition

• Provided recommendations for the enclosure systems, including repairing exterior stone on mass masonry walls, replacing slate shingle roofing and windows, and repairing copper roofing

• Collaborated with the project team to address unforeseen field conditions