Project:
The Pine Building at Pennsylvania Hospital (Completed by S. Harris Ltd.)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Client:
Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems
Dates:
2005-2006 – Conditions Assessment
2007-2008 – Design and Documentation, Construction Administration
2011-2012 – Design and Documentation, Construction Administration
Description:
Construction began on Pennsylvania Hospital’s Pine Building, the nation’s first hospital, in 1755 and was completed in 1802. The masonry structure was designed by Samuel Rhodes and retains its historic library, central court, surgical amphitheater and grand façade.
Challenge:
We were initially retained to perform a Preservation Conditions Assessment to identify the existing physical conditions present in the building and to recommend a methodology for repair, with special attention paid to preserving all original details and historic building fabric. As a result of the Preservation Assessment, S. Harris Ltd. was contracted to design and oversee the restoration of the Pine Building’s exterior envelope which took place in 2 separate construction phases.
Services:
Preservation Assessment
Provided a comprehensive report identifying all of our observations, inspections, and analyses, and phased exterior restoration programs.
Façade Restoration
Assisted with the document preparation for the preservation easement and the numerous successful grant applications to fund the project.
Prepared Construction Documents and provided Construction Contract Administration of the exterior wood ornamentation and window restoration.
Slate Roof and Masonry Restoration
Prepared Construction Documents for a phased slate and copper roof restoration project, including brick and limestone repairs and pointing.
Provided Construction Contract Administration for the first phase of the roof and masonry restoration campaign.
Provided Construction Contract Administration for the second phase of the roof and masonry restoration campaign.
Points of interest:
The Pennsylvania Hospital’s Pine Building is a National Historic Landmark and America’s first hospital.
