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

Icon: 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
Consulting Principal
781.907.9332 plkelley@sgh.com

Additional Projects

Northeast

Symphony Park Sculpture

Celebrating the nearby Berklee College of Music and Symphony Hall, Kulin’s design embraces the shapes of string instruments in his modern Scandinavian style. SGH consulted on the structural design for the 16 ft tall sculpture, First Chair.
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Northeast

Christ Church

Despite repair attempts throughout the years, the church experienced leakage into the narthex that damaged interior plaster finishes. SGH investigated the source of leakage and designed repairs to the stone tower and internal roof.
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