SOLUTION

As the facade restoration consultant, WJE completed an evaluation of the exterior walls. The WJE team reviewed investigative openings to document the as-built configurations of concealed conditions. WJE staff collected and tested material samplings of concrete and mortar to identify causes of deterioration and inform selection of appropriate repair materials in the restoration design.

WJE’s facade restoration design included detailing of repairs to brick, concrete, and terra cotta masonry as well as the design development of a replacement cornice fabricated with glass fiber-reinforced concrete systems to replicate the original terra cotta cornice. Due to extensive deterioration of steel spandrel beams on the south facade gable and extensive displacement of the north facade gable, WJE also designed the rebuilding of the entire south and north gables. The south gable design included new precast concrete spandrel beams to span more than thirty feet over the southern window openings.

A national team of WJE engineers and architects were assembled to expedite WJE’s design services to meet the project deadlines established by the design team prior to WJE’s engagement. The WJE team collaborated with the restoration contractor throughout the two-year construction period to ensure quality of repairs and to address uncovered conditions common in century-old structures.