Category: Historic Preservation

SCUP Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, March 6-8 in Williamsburg, VA

Last modified: March 24, 2011

The Mid-Atlantic Region of The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) held its annual conference from March 6 to 8 in Williamsburg, VA.  Vertical Access partner Evan Kopelson attended the conference.  Most of the events of the conference took place on the campus of the College of William and Mary, which contains a wide range of significant buildings from the Wren Building, the oldest college building in the United States, to a new state-of-the-art business school designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects.  Most of the 200 plus conference attendees were architects, planners and engineers, with a large contingent of college and university representatives and a smaller number of equipment and support service vendors.

The Wren Building, College of WIlliam and Mary

 

One of the interesting features of the conference was that about half of the presentations were interactive sessions, which combined a technical presentation with complete audience participation.  All participants had the opportunity to participate in design charrettes, role play as various team members discussing sustainability options and even play “Scupopoly” to understand the intricacies of campus real estate planning.  Case studies presented over two days of concurrent sessions examined various aspects of higher education planning, from academic curricula to renovations of interior spaces to the design of entire new campuses.  The interactive sessions as well as the overall atmosphere of the conference promoted a sense of collegiality, partnership and sharing of knowledge.

 

With The Association of Preservation Technology International in Cuba, by Kent Diebolt

Last modified: March 8, 2011

Recently published in the APTI Communique, here is Kent’s report on the APTI Study Group trip to Cuba, in February:

(APTI Members will find this on-line, along with Mary Jablonski’s trip report and all sorts of other current APTI news)

On the morning of February 4th, 29 APTI members met at Miami International Airport and soon departed for Havana, Cuba, for a 10-day professional study trip. We represented a cross-section of the APTI membership; architects, engineers, decorative arts specialists, and conservators, both young and old, from across the United States. All were accounted for except Stanley.

This was my second trip to Havana, the first taking place in 2001, with the New York Landmarks Conservancy, and I was looking forward to seeing what progress had been made in the last decade.

I think I speak for our group in reporting that we were all completely welcomed by the Cuban people we met, both professionals and the public. I am also sure that none of us had any notion of how closely we would all bond during our ten days together.

The program was conceived and designed by conservator Rosa Lowinger, who is herself Cuban, and whose family left Cuba during the post-revolution exodus in the early 1960’s. Rosa was ably assisted by tour guide Nelson Ramos, from Havana Tours, whose organizational skills, silver tongue and wicked sense of humor were all constantly in play and fully appreciated by all of us.

Arriving in Havana on that Friday afternoon, we reached our hotel as the sun set over the city, illuminating the restored and the decaying with equal charm. The next few days were spent in and around Old Havana, and as this APTI Communique piece does not allow for a full, day-by-day travelogue, I will touch on a few highlights, which include a substantial side-trip to Cienfuegos and Trinidad de Cuba, both World Heritage City sites on the Caribbean coast.

Certainly, for me, there are so many memorable, poignant and joyous memories, that it is difficult to decide which to report on. An evening with Cristina Vives-Figueroa and her husband, Jose Figueroa at their home and contemporary art gallery was a high point for everyone. Figueroa was an assistant to Korda, the former fashion photographer that took the iconic photo of Che Gueverra that now graces t-shirts and banners seen all over the world. Figueroa has gone on to produce his own body of work, some of which was recently shown at the International Photography Center in New York along with the work of Korda and others.

Early in the trip,we were also greeted by Eusebio Leal, the head of the Office of the Historian of Havana, who is responsible for all aspects of the historic district; from finances to training of architects and craftsmen to determining which buildings get renovated and when, as well as implementation of social policies such as creating day-use centers for the elderly.

On several occasions, some of the group took part in local musical events, particularly through the knowledge of Carol Stone, of our tour company, Cuba Tours, who joined our group just prior to our bus trip to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Carol is a professional percussionist who has participated in the Cuban music scene for about twenty years, whose local knowledge created many opportunities to partake in the uniquely local music and dance scene. Many of the group also spent an evening at the famous Tropicana, taking in the floor show and a few lucky members were able to land tickets for the Cuban Ballet’s performance of Giselle. Certainly, these experiences enriched and broadened our Cuban experience, by providing cultural context for the rest of our trip.

Another highlight, for the group and particularly for this aficionado of Catalan vaulting was the National Schools of Art, on the grounds of the former Havana Country Club. The school, comprised of five building complexes, were designed and constructed using Catalan or timbrel vaulting techniques similar to those employed by the Spanish immigrant builders and entrerpeneurs, Rafael Guastavino, father and son. Never fully completed, these building complexes were designed by three architects, Ricardo Porro, Vittorio Garatti and Roberto Gottardi. Though they were in use during the years since their construction, their slow decay and deterioration due to neglect was inevitable. Now, however, their renovation is ongoing in the capable hands of architect Universo Garcia, our host for the day. The dance and visual arts complex restorations are essentially complete, and now support a vital training and education community.

We also visited many historic fortifications, churches and “palaces”, as well as more humble casas, in various states of disrepair and renovation throughout the trip. We met a number of very hard-working and dedicated preservation professionals, including Nancy Benitez Vasquez in Cienfuegos and Victor Marin and Isabelle Rosello in Havana. All gave generously of their time and impressed us greatly with what they have accomplished with very limited resources.

There was also a significant emphasis, during various parts of the tour, on modernist architecture in La Habana, including a trip to the house designed by Richard Neutra for the Swiss banker, Alfred de Schulthess just before the revolution, now occupied by our gracious host, the Swiss ambassador to Cuba.

Since a day-by day telling of this story is beyond the scope of this brief article, there are a few things to say, in closing. Any opportunity to travel to Cuba should not be missed, if at all possible. Second, be accepting of departures from the itinerary or script, for there is much to be learned through serendipity and surprise. Third, should your bags fail to arrive, as happened to Ilene Tyler, maintain your equanimity and poise, because Cuba and your friends from APT will take care of you. Ilene’s attitude truly set the tone for this trip, earning her the Equanimity Award by acclaim. Many of us left with a commitment to future trips to Cuba, to continue to peel back the layers of history and culture.

And with respect to progress made over the last ten years, while there is much that has been accomplished, the sheer volume of work that remains is daunting. Tourism is both a blessing and a curse, but is the primary economic engine in Havana. I do hope to make more trips, on a more frequent basis, hopefully with Stanley, next time.

Kent Diebolt

APTI Group at Hotel Telegrafo, Havana, Cuba

APT Northeast Chapter 2011 Annual Meeting and Symposium: A Synopsis

Last modified: February 11, 2011

The Association for Preservation Technology Northeast Chapter (APTNE) held its 2011 Annual Meeting and Symposium on February 4 in Boston. The meeting was well attended, with over 200 people braving the mid-winter weather to make it to the full-day event.

The theme of the symposium presentations was “The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Preservation Projects.” Henry Moss introduced this topic in his excellent keynote talk, which raised thought-provoking questions about authenticity, transience and levels of substitution. Moss used examples from New England and the United Kingdom to illustrate a shift in thinking about replacing materials to replacing assemblies and the contributions of material sciences and building physics to the discussion of substitution.

Following the keynote presentation, two papers were given that presented the challenges and concerns in considering replacement materials from the perspective of local preservation planning commissions. Mary O’Neil, an Associate Planner with the City of Burlington, VT, and Catherine Albert, a recent graduate of the Graduate Program in Historic Preservation at Columbia University, presented case studies illustrating preservation issues related to replacement of siding and windows, respectively.

The next two presentations provided contrasting views on substitution, illustrating the importance of evaluating each potential treatment in light of the specific conditions, goals and needs of the project. Art Femenella’s case study of the restoration of a Lalique cast glass façade demonstrated why a substitution system was necessary in light of the design flaws of the original installation. The next presentation, on the repointing of historic brick masonry at Fort Jefferson, showed that after thorough analysis, numerous mock-ups and field applications of various mortar systems, the most appropriate replacement mortar was found to be the one closest to the original mortar.

The afternoon presentations reviewed a range of substitute materials that have been used to replace or in conjunction with historic masonry. John Fidler provided an update on his ongoing study of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) substitute materials. Providing many examples of the use of GFRP in England, where it has been in use for 45 years, Fidler has drawn some conclusions after 30 years of observation. Based on visual assessment, painted GFRP adjacent to other materials that are painted may be acceptable, but other applications are typically undesirable. In addition, when considering the use of GFRP to replace historic masonry, other factors such as the mechanical and chemical properties must also be evaluated.

Michael Edison also took a historical view of replacement materials, demonstrating how composite patching mortars can be used as a substitute material for historic stone and terra cotta. As Edison showed in several case studies, cast-in-place composite repair mortars have a 30-year track record as a viable substitute material for replacement of masonry units.

Brent Gabby’s presentation on cementitious materials within historic masonry systems showed how a variety of substitute materials can be used as part of the structural system to help preserve historic buildings. Gabby used case studies to illustrate the use of poured-in-place concrete, pre-cast concrete, CMU, lightweight concrete panels and shotcrete. These materials can be creatively used as back-up, roof framing and to stabilize masonry so that the original or repaired masonry façade and architectural finishes are preserved.

Finally, Roy Ingraffia and Kyle Normandin introduced a restoration mortar that can be used to meet a wide range of masonry repair needs. Using marble repairs at the New York Public Library Steven Schwarzman Building and sandstone repairs at St. Mark’s Church in Philadelphia as case studies, the presenters showed how Lithos Arte can be trowel applied or cast in place and then sculpted and carved to create appropriate and compatible masonry repairs.

Overall, the symposium offered an interested selection of presentations, from the philosophical groundwork for substitution and preservation planning to replacement systems specific substitute materials. The lively questions and answer discussions after the sessions and during the breaks testifies to the success of the symposium.

Vertical Access Top 10 of 2010: Project 4 – Boston College Burns Library Turret Investigation

Last modified: February 10, 2011

Turret at top of Burns Library Tower, June 2010

In June 2010, Vertical Access conducted an investigation of the colonettes and free-standing pinnacles at the turrets at the top of Boston College’s Burns Library Tower. This was a follow-up inspection to VA’s original investigation of the the Burns Library Tower completed in July 2007. At the time of the original inspection, vertical cracks were observed and documented on some of the projecting architectural limestone elements that adorn the tower, including the colonettes and free-standing pinnacles. As part of the recent investigation, cracks and spalls caused by the ongoing corrosion of the original mild steel dowels and more recent anchors were documented.

Burns Library Tower, during Vertical Access’ 2007 investigation

This project highlights Boston College’s proactive approach to the repair of their historic buildings. Although a restoration project was not planned for Burns Library, Boston College commissioned a comprehensive hands-on investigation of the building, with a follow-up inspection at an appropriate time. The project also highlights VA’s continued involvement with the preservation work undertaken by Boston College and led by architect Wendall Kalsow of McGinley Kalsow & Associates and conservator Ivan Myjer of Building and Monument Conservation. Vertical Access partner Evan Kopelson will present with Wendall and Ivan a paper entitled “Architectural Preservation at Boston College Campus: A Systematic Approach” at the International Facility Management Association Facility Fusion 2011 conference. The presentation will focus on the work completed at Gasson Hall and how this project fits into Boston College’s ongoing preservation efforts at the historic central campus area.

Read about Project 1: Union Theological Seminary Brown Tower
Read about Project 2: University of Buffalo Alumni Arena
Read about Project 3: United States Capitol Dome

Kent Diebolt elected to APT Northeast Chapter Board

Last modified: February 9, 2011

Vertical Access founder Kent Diebolt was elected to the Association for Preservation Technology Northeast Chapter (APTNE) Board of Directors at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the chapter. Kent has had a long involvement with the Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI), serving as a Director, Vice President and then President of the APTI board between the years 1998 and 2005. During that time he helped organize conferences and symposia related to historic roofing, Guastavino structures and monitoring of historic buildings. He also co-chaired the APTI committee for the 2007 conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Serving on the APTNE board, Kent hopes to contribute to program planning and outreach to students and emerging professionals. He joins a dedicated group of board members representing preservation architecture, engineering, conservation, planning, materials and contracting.

Vertical Access’ Top Ten of 2010: Project 3 – United States Capitol Dome

Last modified: February 7, 2011

Lantern of the United States Capitol Dome

In May 2010, Vertical Access documented the existing condition of all of the cast iron ornament and panels at the exterior of the United States Capitol dome. As with a similar investigation of the cast iron ornament that VA did in 2007, VA performed the work for the Architect of the Capitol, which is managing a phased rehabilitation of the dome. Hoffmann Architects is the associate architect for the rehabilitation project. One of the challenges of working on the dome was dealing with the 50 plus mile per hour gusts of wind. Fortunately, Vertical Access technicians were able to work on the leeward side of the dome for part of the investigation. In the end, the wind conditions grounded the VA crew for a half-day over the four days of site work.

Kelly Streeter using TPAS at the United States Capitol Dome

For the recent survey of the cast iron dome, VA customized TPAS to include drop down menus with fields for each type of cast iron element and longitudinal and latitudinal location on the dome. The customized TPAS blocks automated the process of naming photographs with building location and element identification information. The customized TPAS blocks also included information about the conditions documented in 2007 so that changes from the previous survey could be evaluated.

Read about Project 1: Union Theological Seminary Brown Tower
Read about Project 2: University of Buffalo Alumni Arena

Vertical Access’ Top 10 of 2010: Project 1 – Union Theological Seminary Brown Tower

Last modified: January 26, 2011

As we start 2011, Vertical Access would like to thank our clients with whom we have collaborated by in the past year by highlighting ten projects completed in 2010.

The first project, performed in January 2010, is the Brown Tower at Union Theological Seminary in New York, NY. Union Theological Seminary (UTS) was constructed in 1910 and is comprised of a quadrangle of connected structures. It was designed by Allen & Collens, who later designed nearby Riverside Church, in a Collegiate Gothic style. The Brown Tower rises from the southeast corner of the UTS quadrangle. Like the adjoining buildings of the seminary, the exterior masonry is Manhattan schist with limestone trim and ornament.

Working for the New York office of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Vertical Access performed a hands-on investigation of the tower’s four facades. Because of concerns about the attachment of cast stone pinnacles at the four corner spires and other projecting elements, hands-on access was critical to perform the investigation. Vertical Access documented existing conditions at the pinnacles and other areas of the exterior masonry using TPAS. Three VA technicians were on site for two days, to complete the work.

Union Theological Seminary Brown Tower, photography by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Boston Society of Architects’ January Meeting

Last modified: January 17, 2011

The speaker at January’s monthly meeting of the Boston Society of Architects’ Historic Resources Committee was Jay Wickersham, FAIA of the law firm Noble & Wickersham LLP.  He spoke about little known aspects of the histories of architects Charles Bulfinch and H.H. Richardson.  The  experience of these prominent Boston architects helped to form the structure of architectural practice in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Mr. Wickersham explained how these fascinating figures are tied to the present by speaking about the checkered history of the Ames family of North Easton, MA and the modern day successful campaign to preserve the Ames Shovel Works from demolition.  The meeting was attended by Kelly Streeter. More on the fascinating story here.


The Legacy of the Treasury Department’s Office of the Supervising Architect: Three Federal Courthouse and Post Office Buildings

Last modified: December 22, 2010

Over the past few years, Vertical Access has been part of project teams investigating and restoring three federal courthouse and post office complexes designed in the early 1890s.  These structures, in Milwaukee, Buffalo and Brooklyn, exemplify the federal government’s role in shaping the architectural character of our cities through the design and construction of monumental, ornately decorated buildings.  Each of the three buildings was designed by a different supervising architect employing differing historicizing styles, but they have in common several notable features including a load-bearing masonry structure clad in granite, a prominent tower over a five-story base and a large central atrium. Continue reading The Legacy of the Treasury Department’s Office of the Supervising Architect: Three Federal Courthouse and Post Office Buildings →