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Forbes Library Historic Restoration CPA Application 02-01-08.pd COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION FORM I: Project Information Ю±¶»½¬ Ì·¬´»æ Ú±®¾»­ Ô·¾®¿®§ Þ«·´¼·²¹ Û²ª»´±°» λ­¬±®¿¬·±² Ю±¶»½¬ Í«³³¿®§æ ̱ ½±³°´»¬» ¬¸» ®»°¿·® ¿²¼ ®»­¬±®¿¬·±² ±º ¬¸» Ú±®¾»­ Ô·¾®¿®§ »¨¬»®·±® ©¿´´­ô °±®¬·½±ô ®±±ºô ¿²¼ ©·²¼±©­ò Û­¬·³¿¬»¼ ­¬¿®¬ ¼¿¬»æ ÁÁíñïñðçÁÁÁÁÁÁÁ Û­¬·³¿¬»¼ ½±³°´»¬·±² ¼¿¬»æÁÁÁÁïðñîçñðçÁÁ ÝÐß Ð®±¹®¿³ ß®»¿ ø½¸»½µ ¿´´ ¬¸¿¬ ¿°°´§÷æ ÈÈ Ø·­¬±®·½ Ю»­»®ª¿¬·±² II: Applicant/Developer Information ݱ²¬¿½¬ л®­±² ¿²¼ ±®ñ°®·³¿®§ ¿°°´·½¿²¬æ Ö¿²»¬ Ó±«´¼·²¹ Ñ®¹¿²·¦¿¬·±² ø·º ¿°°´·½¿¾´»÷æ Ú±®¾»­ Ô·¾®¿®§ Ó¿·´·²¹ ß¼¼®»­­æ îð É»­¬ ͬ®»»¬ ñ Ò±®¬¸¿³°¬±²ô Óß ðïðêð Ü¿§¬·³» °¸±²» ýæ ìïíóëèéóïðïê Ú¿¨ ýæ ìïíóëèéóïðïë Û󳿷´ ¿¼¼®»­­æ ¶³±«´¼·²¹àº±®¾»­´·¾®¿®§ò±®¹ III: Budget Summary ̱¬¿´ ¾«¼¹»¬ º±® °®±¶»½¬æ üïôêðíôìêëòìï ÝÐß º«²¼·²¹ ®»¯«»­¬æ üïôêðíôìêëòìï ÝÐß ®»¯«»­¬ ¿­ °»®½»²¬¿¹» ±º ¬±¬¿´ ¾«¼¹»¬æ ïððû Applicant’s Signature: ____________________________ Date Submitted: ____________________________ “There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” Andrew Carnegie The Trustees of Forbes Library request that the Community Preservation Committee fund the Forbes Library building envelope historic preservation project which is presented here. This project started in 2005 as relatively simple mortar repointing maintenance. However, the masons working on the building quickly discovered that the stability of both the inner and outer load-bearing exterior walls of the library had been severely compromised by decades of water infiltration through cracked mortar and gaps in the roof. The project changed from simple repointing to essential repair and restoration. Two of the Forbes Library building’s four elevations were cleaned, repaired, and repointed in city-funded projects completed in June 2006. The completion of the entire building envelope restoration project was approved by the City Capital Improvements Committee in 2006, but was not funded by the City. Every year that the walls are unsealed, the mortar holding the stones together continues to deteriorate, making the exterior walls more fragile and the building’s interior more vulnerable. The repair and securing of the library’s building envelope is not only an important historical preservation project, it also solves environmental and accessibility issues. The library’s 133 windows are of original construction. Many of the windows no longer close securely, are leaky, and have little insulation value. Much energy is wasted through these single pane windows as the building is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. New windows, as requested in this proposal, would meet state building code energy standards and historic preservation standards as befits this historic building, using U.44 insulated glass or better to (a) help preserve the historic collections inside the building and (b) greatly improve energy efficiency. The restoration of the library’s entrance foyer will include an automatic door which will enable disabled patrons to more easily access the library’s many services. Since an interior renovation of the library was finished in 2001 and half of the exterior restoration completed in 2006, it is even more vital that the exterior be properly sealed to protect the walls and ceilings of the interior and the stability of the load-bearing exterior walls. With half of the building cleaned and half of it covered with one hundred years of accumulated grime, it is obvious at a glance that the Forbes Library restoration is a project in need of completion. Photographs of some of the damaged walls and preservation issues are included in this application. The specifics of the Forbes Library historic preservation project are detailed in the enclosed report from historic architect, Ron Alex, of LPB Architects, Cambridge, MA. Full-sized architectural drawings and color photographs are available on request. History of Forbes Library Forbes Library was the gift to Northampton by Judge Charles E. Forbes, who left a bequest to the city to build a public library. The Last Will and Testament of Charles Edward Forbes, signed September 25, 1876, can be seen at the library or online at www.forbeslibrary.org. Pertinent passages from the Will of Charles Edward Forbes are below: All the rest, residue and remainder of my property and estate, real, personal and mixed, wherever situate or of whatever the same may consist, I give, devise and bequeath . . . for the purchase of a site and the erection of a building, or the purchase of a building for the accommodation of a Public Library, and for the purchase of books, &c., to be placed therein for the use of the Inhabitants of said town of Northampton and their successors forever. . . . All purchases of real estate under this Will to be evidenced by deed or deeds conveying a fee simple to said trustees, their heirs and assigns, in legal form, duly acknowledged and recorded, but in trust always and for the trusts and uses indicated in this Will. (Section 9, Pages 3 & 4) It is my design to form a library of works of science and the arts in their broadest acceptation, of ancient and modern history, and of the literatures of our own and other nations . . . It has been my aim to place within reach of the inhabitants of a town, in which I have lived long and pleasantly, the means of learning, if they are disposed to learn, the marvelous development of modern thought, and to enable them to judge of the destiny of the race on scientific evidence, rather than on metaphysical evidence alone. The importance of the education of the people cannot be overrated. (Section 9, Page 7) The above bequest for the benefit of the Inhabitants of said Northampton is made on the following conditions: 1.That the town by vote shall accept said bequest within three years after the Probate of this will, and further 2.By a vote duly recorded and legally binding, the inhabitants of said town in their corporate capacity as a town shall obligate themselves and their successors 3.To pay all expenses necessarily incurred in about the management and administration of the affairs of said library over and above the income derived from the Aid Fund. 4.To keep the library building in repair, and to rebuild the same in case of its destruction by fire or other casualty. 5.To erect or provide such other building or buildings as may hereafter become necessary in consequence of the enlargement of the library. If said town of Northampton refuses or neglects for the period of three years from and after the probate of this will to perform the above named conditions on their part to be performed, and to assume the obligations above mentioned, then and in that event, I hereby 2 revoke all bequests herein before made for the benefit of said town, and declare the same to be null, void and of none effect (Section 9, Page 9) Should the trustees nominated and appointed by this will, or their successors in said trust, upon due inquiry, made as expeditiously as can be conveniently done after my decease, become satisfied that a majority of the inhabitants of said town of Northampton are disposed to accept the above bequest upon the conditions thereto annexed, it is recommended that an act be obtained from the Legislature incorporating said library, and giving to the town in their corporate capacity the requisite power and authority, by vote or votes duly passed in legal town meeting and recorded among the records of said town, to adopt and execute the provisions of this will, and to perform all the conditions and to assume all the obligations therein mentioned, and to be forever bound to the performance thereof. (Section 9, page 10) The people of Northampton were “disposed to accept the above bequest upon the conditions thereto annexed” and Forbes Library in Northampton was incorporated by an act of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in April and May of 1881. Crown Jewel of Northampton “The Castle on the Hill” Forbes Library was designed by architect William C. Brocklesby of Hartford, Connecticut, in a style known as Richardsonian Romanesque, named after the work of Henry Hobson Richardson, the designer of Trinity Church in Boston. This style is characterized by the use of contrasting light and dark color stones (granite and sandstone), massive rounded arches 3 resting on short, squat columns and complex roof systems. The library was dedicated on October 23, 1894. According to the First Annual Report of the Trustees in 1895: "After January 1, 1891, and a visit to many large libraries the trustees proceeded to erect the building. It is built of Milford granite with Longmeadow sandstone trimming, is estimated to accommodate 400,000 volumes, is unusually well adapted for library purposes, is an ornament to the city and praised by all visitors. Its cost was $113,993.48..." One unique feature of the Forbes Library is the use of Guastavino arches (built by the Guastavino brothers) which had also been used in the Boston Public Library. These brick arches support the first and second floors from modularunits or bays of 17 x 14.8 feet. Judge Forbes had mandated in his will that the building be fireproof. The Guastavino arches are part of this safety design and are constructed of brick covered with white clay tile. 4 "The crowning glory of inflammability was the roof." Erected by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, it was constructed entirely of steel girders covered with slate roofing tiles. Each separate slate was tied through with a nail by the roofer on the outside and was then twisted around a support rod by a worker inside the roof structure. Judge Forbes had also insisted that the building be set aside fromall other buildings so that there was no danger of it catching fire from a nearby structure. Thus, the building stands alone on a lovely, raised, park-like lot, and was called by many residents of Northampton "the castle on the hill." Forbes Library’s Special Collections The Forbes Library building is not only historic in its own right, but also houses many important collections that can truly be called “The Treasures of Northampton”. The library is conscientious in fulfilling its trust to both preserve and provide access to the invaluable and irreplaceable records of Northampton’s history and culture. The Forbes collections include the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, Hampshire County local history archives, and Northampton related works of art. Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum: Forbes Library is the largest existing source of primary material on Calvin Coolidge and the only public library in the United States to hold a presidential collection. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum contains materials documenting the private life of Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), beginning with his birth and formative years in Vermont, his student days at Amherst College, and his years as a young lawyer in Northampton. Exhibits and manuscripts, written and pictorial, cover his political career from Northampton to Boston to the White House and his post-presidential years as a Northampton resident. The Collection also includes materials of a similarnature related to the life of Grace Goodhue Coolidge (1879-1957). 5 The Coolidge Collection was established in 1920, when Calvin Coolidge gave documents and memorabilia to Forbes Library. Coolidge continued giving materials to the Library throughout the remainder of his life. At the end of his administration, he sent his personal library from the White House to the Forbes Library, in Northampton, Massachusetts; included were the well known Howard Chandler Christy portraits of Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace. The final impetus for the permanent home of the Coolidge Collection came in 1956. Acting upon the request of Grace Coolidge and the Trustees of Forbes Library, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts granted funds to establish a "Calvin Coolidge Memorial Room" as a separate entity within the library. 6 The Coolidge collection consists of manuscripts, speeches, letters, videos, recordings, microfilms, the official presidential papers and the personal papers of President Coolidge, tapes, off-the-record press conferences, photographs, paintings, scrapbooks, broadsides, artifacts, furniture, and the famous electric exercise horse. Hampshire Room for Local History The Hampshire Room collection contains unique and irreplaceable resources for scholars, local historians, researchers, and genealogists. Highlights of the HampshireRoom collections include: Account books and town papers and manuscripts Maps dating back to the 1700s The Walter Corbin Collection of turn-of-the-century Northampton and Florence photographs and genealogy materials The Judd Manuscript of 62 volumes of records of local interest by Gazette editor, Sylvester Judd (1789-1860) All existing rolls of film taken by Daily Hampshire Gazette photographers Primary source Jonathan Edwards material The Elbridge Kingsley (1842-1918) collection of photographs, paintings, and woodcuts Over one hundred Audubon prints from the 1860 Bein edition Original World War I and II posters th Seth Pomeroy’s Journal, a pocket-sized, parchment-bound diary of his two 18 Century military campaigns against the French Thousands of early images of Northampton and surrounding towns in various formats including stereoscopes of local views and events such as the Mill River Flood 7 Fine Arts Forbes Library continuously displays important historical and current art works of significance to Northampton. The Forbes Library holds a substantial collection of paintings, sculpture, engravings, photographs , and other works by local, regional and nationally-known artists of the 18th to the 21st centuries. Among the art on permanent display are works by: Leonard Baskin W.H.W. Bicknell Lewis Bryden Howard Chandler Christy Lionel Delevingne Ralph Earl Robin Freedenfeld Bessie Bell Hawkes Elbridge Kingsley Samuel F.B. Morse Barry Moser Elliot Offner Alan James Robinson Stan Sherer Dwight William Tryon The Angel of Hadley, or The Perils of Our Forefathers, by Frederic A. Chapman 8 Forbes Library Today The only public institution that offers something for all residents Forbes Library is the one Northampton public institution that genuinely serves all of the residents of Northampton. It offers materials, information and programs for every age from infant to elders in nursing homes, every economic group from the homeless to the very wealthy, every educational level from those just learning to read to scholarly researchers. Forbes offers entertainment, community in the form of educational programs, fun events and meeting rooms for residents to use, homework resources, internet access, art exhibits, one of a kind and irreplaceable genealogy and Hampshire County archives, and the Presidential Library and Museum for Northampton’s local son who went on to become President of the United States. It offers all who enter the gratification of knowing that the magnificent building with its glorious interior is theirs as a citizen of Northampton. Everyone is welcomed, everyone is valued and everyone is offered, in Judge Forbes’ words, “the means to learning.” L,p The statistics below show how important Forbes Library is to the Northampton community and how muchits services are used: An average of 700 people walk through the doors of Forbes Library every day that it is open. 16,543 Northampton residents have active Forbes Library cards. 348,786 books, videos, cds, audio books, museum passes, and laptop computers were checked out to patrons at Forbes Library last year. 153,000 reference questions were answered by Forbes Library staff last year. 2,282 young adults attended programs at Forbes Library last year. 4,372 adults attended programs at Forbes Library last year. 10,856 children attended programs at Forbes Library last year. Forbes Library meeting rooms were used 402 times by community members last year. 57 local artists displayed their art in the Hosmer Gallery at Forbes Library last year. 34 local poets read their poetry at Forbes Library last year. The public internet computer terminals were used 103,532 times last year and countless more patrons used the library’s free wireless with their own laptops. Forbes Library is a vital, active community center for all of Northampton, responsive to the community’s needs and dedicated to service to the public. The library’s 2007 Long Range Plan based its goals directly upon feedback from an extensive public survey conducted by the library in preparation for the plan. The first annual long range plan update reports the many completed projects and activities to fulfill the wishes of the Northampton community. These documents are available at the library or online at www.forbeslibrary.org. 9 “. . . libraries are the great symbols of the freedom of the mind . . . they are essential to the functioning of a democratic society.” Franklin D. Roosevelt One look at the Forbes Library building is sufficient to realize that it is a magnificent and irreplaceable treasure to Northampton. The building alone would warrant its preservation and great care. But the library is also an all encompassing service to Northampton, an institution that genuinely caters to all and is open to all the residents of Northampton. Enclosed in this application you will find letters of support from some of the library’s patrons. They express a variety of reasons why Northampton loves its public library building and values its presence in their lives. Charged as the CPC is to allocate public funds for the public good, we hope that you will appreciate the importance of making Forbes Library and its collections safe and secure and see the Forbes Library restoration project as a highest priority 10 Architecture28 Penniman Road PlanningBoston, MA 02134 InteriorsTel 617/782/9131 ConstructionFax 617/782/9141 ManagementEmail info@lpba.com LPBA/Architects, Inc. Ronald John Alex, AIA Barbara Thornton, MCP, MBA Principal Senior Planner Francesco Garofalo, AIA Principal January 15, 2008 Trustees of Forbes Library Janet Moulding, Director Forbes Library 20 West Street Northampton, MA 01060 Re: Project: Historical Preservation for Forbes Library Master Plan Submission for Northampton Community Preservation Committee Dear Ms. Moulding, It is our pleasure to submit LPBA/Architects, Inc.’s (LPBA) Master Plan for design recommendations, schedule, and construction cost estimate to the Trustees of Forbes Library. LPBA is confident in our ability to provide professional services to assess the condition of the property and provide accurate cost estimates to complete the final phase of historical preservation. The design solutions created in the previous construction phase are in alignment with guidelines prepared for historic treatment of properties by the National Trust for Historical Preservation, Department of the Interior. Our unique capacity to produce quality planning and insight for this project is based on our years of preservation experience. The proper selection of materials for repairs, or creation of matching molds to replicate original design, or selective repairs required to restore historical features can be accomplished through quality detailing within this project. The design for materials with historical significance in historic buildings assists cities and towns in planning for restorations of notable architectural features through appearance, color, character, style, and performance. Recent History LPBA Architects, Inc. previously completed work on Forbes Library’s South and East building elevations in 2005-2006 and identified hidden deterioration and decay on the sub-ground stone foundation walls. Further destructive testing confirmed uncontrolled deterioration would have led to failure of the materials, and failure of the structure. Forbes Library was originally built in 1894, designed by William Brocklesby, Architect. Over 113 years later, new technologies, code requirements, and the careful, precise craft of historical masons have rebuilt the Library’s bearing walls on two LPBA/Architects, Inc. elevations with imbedded steel reinforcement and structural ties to inner masonry walls. One by one, the exterior granite stones were removed carefully for re-building. Each stone marked for specific location and photographed, marked for repositioning, cleaned, and reset in specific designated ASTM type mortar. The original ashlar stone pattern precisely matches the original ashlar stone layout. The newly inserted structural metal ties are attached behind the ashlar face stone. The code required reinforcing steel was placed within the 36” depth foundation wall approximately ten feet in height, and provides new structural stability and means to discharge internal vapor safely. The buildings distinctive ashlar pattern cut stone (Gneiss) and brownstone vocabulary remains visibly untouched after 100% mortar cutback and masonry bead repointing through careful preservation and repairs on the East and South Elevations in 2005- 2006. Master Plan of Forbes LibraryHistorical Building Envelope: General Recommendations: The preservation of the unique character of Forbes Library architecture starts with maintaining building integrity and dryness for the long term. At the roof’s highest elevation, the copper finials are loose, deteriorated and allowing water to enter through the West dormersat roof ridges and valley flashing. The metal flashing and finials should be changed, including the ridge and valley flashing. The gray slate roof shows minor amount of deterioration, and approximately 100 cracked slate roof tiles should be replaced. The ridge cresting visible from the North elevation has lost several terra cotta ridge tiles and all tiles appear to have ended material life cycle by observation of cracks and loss of attachment. The project is deserving of Community Preservation Act funding due to the building materials end of life cycle, and ongoing maintenance problems with remedial repair and patching. The Library’s limited means to provide capital for major projects such as this, suggests significant capital is needed beyond the normal everyday maintenance budget associated with general maintenance problems for 113-year- old building. Some of the items beyond repair are structural foundation deterioration, cracked exterior granite stones, and brownstones, metal flashings, and deteriorated non- energy efficient windows and doors, and roofing. The following recommendations are listed below for planning and budgeting purposes for design and construction to be designated and implemented in 2008- 2009. A. Structural Stabilization The single most important part of the building restoration is the stabilization of the masonry load bearing walls. Major deteriorating or missingmortar at the granite stone head and bed joints, allowed continuing water entry, and washing of the internal lime putty created large voids within the cavity. The demonstrated structural need to repair hollow cavities within the walls was made evident by destructive Page 2 of 4 LPBA/Architects, Inc. testing. New structural engineering solution was created to attach foundation and bearing walls together in 2006. The 1970’s remedial work consisted of patched roof repairs, replacement of deteriorated snow roof guards and rails, and loss of attachment of specificgranite stones in wall and top of wall coping stones. The stones were re-attached to protect public from danger in 2006. Stabilization of the interior stonewalls in the North and West elevations has not been completed. The stone walls in interior main entrance of the Portico needs rebuilding. Repointing and cleaning is suggested to remove the stains on the structural arch ceiling’s terra cotta ceiling tiles (Guastavino, Architect). B. Energy Conservation Removal and replacement of original windows. Careful selection of historical energy saving windows is recommended to replace original single pane glass windows that are deteriorated at sash base, parting bead, and sill. Casement and parting beads are loose, deteriorated and in need of replacement. Removal of aluminum commercial storefront single pane glass metal doors and windows in the North elevation portico is recommended to save energy and restore the original appearance of wood doors and windows to the Library. C. Thermal Efficiencies and Use of Natural Materials The environmental benefitsgained through saving the existing natural slate roof vs. the use of replacement asphalt shingles are huge. Shingles are petroleum based and manufactured in an industrial factory. The natural slate shingles have lastedfor over 113 years and are in good condition on the main roof. Metal flashing are recommended for use (copper and zinc) vs. petroleum based rubber membranes, on the roof penetrations such as dormers, chimneys, and ventilators. The ability of the existing slate roof to breathe and ventilate naturally through the unique slate attachment system devised in the late 1800’s should continue. The slate shingles (natural fireproof material) is secured by wire nails to 1” steel angles. The angles are attached to roof steel purloins and beam connections. Leaving the existing slate roof and addressing slate repairs is recommended for best long-term cost effective solutions. Environmental benefits are reduction of the petroleum manufacturing process by not installing asphalt shingles. Additionally, the existing slate system allows the attic to naturally ventilate through the overlapping of slates by the unique fastening system. Building insulation has been installed in the second floor ceiling saving energy. Replacement of asphalt gravel roof at Portico. The original roof was made of concrete and sloped to form the gable. The roof was flattened many years ago with new flat deck roof and flashed poorly into the ashlar stone and stone railings, resulting in deterioration. The age of the roof has exceeded the estimated life cycle. New replacement metal standing seam roof has been designed to uncover the original roof pitch and re-establish the architect’s original gable roof with new metal gutter and leader rain collection system. D. Electrical and Lighting Fixtures Page 3 of 4 LPBA/Architects, Inc. The removal of exposed electrical wiring to AC units on the West elevation. Previous contractors have installed surface wiring on the exterior AC compressor units and lines attached to exterior building stones. The exposed wiring is subject to weather extremes and is recommended to bury all lines including gas piping. Removal, restoration, repair and painting of original ornate North elevation light posts at the main entrance are recommended to preserve the character of the original architecture. E. Schedule See attachment F. Cost Estimate See attachment Upon Northampton’s Community Preservation Act Committee approval of the application, LPBA Architects, Inc. is ready to resume the investigation and design portions of work and to complete construction documents within the time frame of the schedule attached. LPBA Architects, Inc. and the Trustees will be in charge of the project and report directly to the City’s designated CPA Director. LPBA welcomes the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how we will provide the quality attention and experienced skills necessary for this project. We look forward to meeting with you, the Trustees, and the CPA Committee to further discuss the approachto the project, our professional experience, and address any of your concerns. Sincerely, LPBA/Architects, Inc. Ronald J. Alex, AIA President Member of National Trustfor Historic Preservation Projects/Northampton/Forbes Lib/ MasterPlan-JmouldingctLe t-1.15.08.doc Page 4 of 4 Architecture 28 Penniman Road PlanningBoston, MA 02134 InteriorsTel 617 782 9131 ConstructionFax 617 782 9141 LPBA/ Architects, Inc. Email info@lpba.com Management Forbes Library City of Northampton Historic Preservation and Repairs ESTIMATED TIME SCHEDULE AND REPRESENTATION 1/15/2008 PHASE III TIMEOwner DATELPBA Architects REVIEWCOMPLETEREPRESENTATIVE Architect’s Investigation/ Survey 1 week 1 day June 23, 2008 RA, FG, MB & ST Schematic Design Submittal and 3 weeks 1 week 6/30FG, RA & MB, ST Cost Estimate Forbes Review Design Development , 50% 2 weeks 1 day 7/21FG, RA & MB Forbes Review Construction Documents, 50% 3 weeks 1 day 8/4FG, MB & ST Submittal. Cost Estimate Forbes Review Construction Documents, 100% 4 weeks 1 week 8/25RA, FG,MB,ST Submittal. Final Cost Estimate Forbes Review Review Period – City & Forbes 1week 9/29 Send in Contractors Central 10/13RA Register (CR) Ad Ad appears in CR 10/22 Contractors Pre-bid meeting 1 week 10/29RA Filed Sub bid due 1 week 11/5City General Bid due 1 week 11/12City Contractor’s Reference Check 2 days 11/14RA Architects Recommendation Contractor Agreement / Bonds/ 3 weeks 1 week 12/12City Award of Construction Contract January 2, 2009 3 weeks City Construction Notice to Proceed 1 day 1 day 1/2/09RA Shop Drawing Review 2 weeks 1/16RA (Continued) Architecture 28 Penniman Road PlanningBoston, MA 02134 InteriorsTel 617 782 9131 ConstructionFax 617 782 9141 LPBA/ Architects, Inc. Email info@lpba.com Management Construction Start (9 months) 3/1/09RA Construction Substantial Completion 2 weeks October 1, 2009 RA Punch List 2 weeks 10/15/09RA Contract Completion/ Warranties 10/29/09 2 weeks RA Key Personnel who will be responsible for the various phases of the project: LPBA REPRESENTATIVES Ronald Alex, AIA - (RA) Principal-in Charge Francesco Garofalo, AIA - (FG) Project Manager Megan Baroni (MB) Drafter Susan Twomey (ST) Drafter LPBA/ Architects, Inc. Destructive Testing Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Re: Investigation, Stone Stabilization, and 1.Destructive Testing Report Recommendation Project: Historical Preservation 2.Destructive Testing; Forbes Library, Masonry Repointing Existing Conditions Northampton,Massachusetts 19 Test Cuts 3.Supplements: a.Simpson Gumpertz and Hager, Inc. b.Stone Products Consultants Elevation Drawings: 4. Destructive Test Locations- a.North, South, East, West Elevations Architecture28 Penniman Rd. PlanningBoston, MA 02134 InteriorsTEL 617/782/9131 ConstructionFAX 617/782/9141 ManagementEmail info@lpba.com Architecture28 Penniman Road PlanningBoston, MA 02134 InteriorsTel 617/782/9131 ConstructionFax 617/782/9141 ManagementEmail lpba@gis.net LPBA/Architects, Inc. Ronald John Alex, AIA Barbara Thornton,MCP, MBA Principal Senior Planner Francesco Garofalo, AIA Principal June 14, 2005 Trustees of Forbes Library c/o Janet Moulding, Director Forbes Library 20 West Street Northampton, MA 01060 Re:Destructive Testing Report Investigation, Stone Stabilization, and Recommendation Project: Historical Preservation Forbes Library, Masonry Repointing Dear Ms. Moulding, The masonrycontractor for the MasonryRepointingproject at Forbes Library, Northampton Architectural Landmark, designed by William Brocklesey of Hartford, Connecticut, has discovered new and alarming conditions caused by loss of natural cement mortars. The significance of the stone mortar bed deteriorationhas allowed external movement in the granite stone wall. The stone wall at lower elevations is unstable as a load bearing wall and we are concerned for the overall stabilityof the structural walls. Upon review of the situation, LPBA requested destructive testing be performed to determinethe scope and extent of the loose granite stone wall, as there aresignificant concerns about public safety. . (We have been informed several large brownstone coping stones have become loose from the gable masonry wall at roof level and at least one has actually fallen to the ground in recent years). During the actual destructive testing, at the lower elevations near grade, large amounts of deteriorated natural cement mortarswere observed to have washed away from the individual stones internal head and bed joint connections. The mortarconnections maintain the structural stone integrity providing composite lateralmasonrybrick and stone connections, density,and compressive strength to accept the full weight of the masonry load-bearing wall. The project’sspecification called for existing mortar analysis to beperformed by the contractor, Monaco Restorations, Inc. The analysis rendered an opinionthat the existing natural cement or limemortar contained no Portland cement. The natural lime putty,serving as the glue to connect the stones, had dissolved over the years due to cracked or open mortar joints, and the remaining calcium carbonate appears as the remains along with coarse sand particles as observed in the lower east and south elevations. Through extrapolation and visual sight of the cavityspaces fromeighteen extracted stones, the natural lime putty has dissolved (1893 construction date). Binder failure has occurred at the majorityof the lower elevation granite stone joint beds. Page 1 of 7 LPBA/Architects, Inc. Due to the serious nature of the lime putty failure, with respect to the extent of the physical repairs and cost of repairs, the Library suggested second opinionof mortar contents and independent analysis should be obtained. Construction Type Forbes Library construction is masonrybrick and stone unit masonry bearing walls with steel roof framing and probable steel beam floor connection construction. Floor constructionis believed to be 3”-4” of gypsum cement type slab floor applied over vaulted Gustavino ceiling system. This systemof tongue and groove structural clayceiling tiles is present on the first and second floors. The historic H.H. Richardson architectural type in distinctive Romanesque style is composed of exterior ashlar patterned granite square cut stones with brownstone window trim, lintels, sills, and decorative banding. Observation Uncovered in the destruction testing processwere thefour wythe brick masonryand exterior stone wall bound together (22”masonry composite wall thickness at approximately five feet above grade). There are no internal metal ties, and the stone and brick masonry are bound together by the natural cement lime putty mortar. To lose the concentration and mass of the stone mortar beds is consequential and affects and undermines the structural integrity of the exterior walls. The arched ceiling tile, floor vaulting, and the structural steel roof systemdepend uponthe walls being stable for structural support. Destructive testing was performed to remove random selected stones at each elevation. The results have uncovered mortar deterioration to the point of causing external movement frommortar collapse within the load bearing exterior granite stone wall composite system. The interior brick backup wall appeared to be in satisfactory conditionuponobservation. Mortar Analysis LPBA reviewed the mortaranalysis report performed for Monaco Restorations, Inc. by StoneBuilding Products, Inc. May4, 2005 of Ashland, MA. Mr. E. Myskowski, and S. Stokowski ofStone Products Consultants performed petrography analysis and determined four samplemortars tested contain naturalcement and hydrated limeas the binder. The sand in the mortars is graded natural sand, comprisedprimarilyof quartz and feldspar grains and rock fragments including muscovite schist, biotite granite,garnets, and meta-siltstone. The composition and texture of the sand are consistent with a source along the Mill River to the North west of Northampton. The bond between the aggregate and the cement pasteis normal. The aggregate is not unusually dusty. The volume of the air in mortar samples number 2 and number 3 is below the range normallyobserved (8-12%) The mortars have severe shrinkage cracks. This indicates the cracking has high water binder ration greater than .075%. Thesemortars were extremely wet during construction of the structure. Each samplecontains lumps of undispersed natural cement. The high water binder ratio would cause the mortars to have high shrinkage and have poor durability. Destructive Testing Report Forbes Library City of Northampton, MA Page 2 of 7 LPBA/Architects, Inc. In comparison with the first report, Simpson Gumpertz and Hagar, Consulting Engineers, June 7, 2005 mortar analysis, performed by Mauro J. Scali, Staff Consultant, found the mortar sample is representative of late nineteenth centuryconstructionand containshydraulic dolomitic lime and trace of Portland cement. The sample reviewed wasintact but does exhibit evidence of distress fractures with occasional autogenoushealing. The relative proportions of the mortar constituents are 1 part cement, 3 parts lime, and 7-1/2 pasts sand. The sampledmortar can be fractured with hand pressure, and has an estimated compressivestrength of 100- 300 psi. This is low standard for mortar compressive strength (500psi av.) Building Elevation Survey Drawings Attached are four Forbes Building Elevation drawings showing specific locations of each granite stone removed, the locations are coordinated with photographs contained in the Report. Destructive Testing Approximately three to four granite stone samplesof random sizes were removed bydiamond blade saw cuts and hand chisels fromeach elevation. The removed stones were observed to have no or little mortar adhesion to stones at grade level, wet mortar, verysandy residue near ground level was discovered when removed at grade to approximately ten- fourteen feet above grade on four elevations. This is represented in sampling observed between May 21-June 8, 2005: NumberBuildingElevationApproximateComments Elevation andTestsize of granite DrawingLocationstone sample Number East 1East Elevation/ A-T-38 ¼” x 21 6”depth, no wall ties,mortar 4.0½”firm, no wetness. 2East Elevation/ A-T-43 stones were 6” average depth, no wall 4.0loose-ties,mortar not firm, loose 8 ½” x18 3/4”crumbly, andwet. 5 ½” x 8” 7 ½” x 8” 3East Elevation/ A-T-57 ½” x 10 ½” 5 1/2” depth,no wall 4.0ties,mortar not firm, loose crumbly, and wet. 4East Elevation/ A-T-75 ½” x 8 ½” 6” depth, nowall 4.0ties,mortar not firm, loose crumbly, and wet. 5East Elevation/ A-T-118 ½” x 21½” 6” depth, nowall ties, 4.0mortar not firm, loose crumbly, andwet. 6East Elevation/ A-T-124 ¼” x 9 3/4”6” depth, nowall ties, Destructive Testing Report Forbes Library City of Northampton, MA Page 3 of 7 LPBA/Architects, Inc. 4.0mortar not firm, loose crumbly, andwet. South 7SouthElevation/T-64 ¼” x 14 3/4”5 ½” depth, no wall ties, A-4.1mortar grade questionable, dampness. 8SouthElevation/T-841/2”x 9” 8”depth, no wall ties, A-4.1mortar not firm, loose crumbly, large mortar voids, and wet. 9SouthElevation/T-94 ½” x 9” 8” depth, nowall ties, A-4.1mortar not firm,crumbly, sandy, slight dampness, medium mortarvoids. 10SouthElevation/T-104 ¼” x 11” 8 ¼” depth, no wall ties, A-4.0mortar not firm,crumbly, sandy, slight dampness, medium mortarvoids. 11SouthElevation/T-1310” x 18”5 ¼” depth, no wall A-4.0ties, mortarfirm, slight dampness. 12SouthElevation/T-149 ½” x 16 ½ 5 ¼” depth, no wall A-4.0ties, mortarfirm, slight dampness. 13SouthElevation/T-1512” x 19 ½” Investigative through wall A-4.0section - Cut away section through masonry wall- 20 1/2” depth, no wall ties, mortar not firm,wetness in cavity, interior walls are 5/8” av. horsehair plaster directly applied to hollow clay block tiles. West 14WestElevation/T-168 ¼” x 21 ½” 4” depth, nowall ties, mortar A-4.2firm, no wetness. Brick rubble behind stone. 15WestElevation/T-178 ¼” x 16” 6” depth, nowall A-4.2ties,mortar firm, no wetness. 16WestElevation/T-186 ½” x 13” 5” depth, serious A-4.2deterioration, no wall ties, mortar sandy, hollow Destructive Testing Report Forbes Library City of Northampton, MA Page 4 of 7 LPBA/Architects, Inc. voids, wetness. North 17NorthElevation/T-112 ½” x 24½”6” depth, nowall A-4.3ties,mortar firm, no wetness. 18NorthElevation/T-28 ½”x 20 ½” 5 ¼” depth, no wall A-4.3ties,mortar less than firm, slight dampness, large mortar voids. 19NorthElevation/T-198 “ x 18” 5 ½” depth, no wall A-4.3ties, mortarfirm, slight dampness wetness. Due to the seriousness nature of the destructive testing and findings, the lower elevations of the granite stone wall, has lost the strength and integrity and durability of the original limeputtynatural cement. The East elevation represents six stone samples removed.Observed were tight clean firm dry limeputty bondingon four sides of extracted stones at the upper elevations. Six sample stones were taken at the South elevation, 3 samples on the West and North elevations. Observation of the brick masonry wall at the top interior wall course ( in the attic) was observed to be firm, dry in stable condition. Recommendations 1.Exterior granite stone stabilization is flagged as extremely important and relatively urgent to performas Priority One this summer. Removeallashlar pattern granite and brownstones from grade to approximately ten feet above grade elevation. Clean stones and remove old limemortars and reset in new mortarmix as recommended in the mortar analysis report by Simpson, Gumpertz and Hager, Consulting Engineers. 2.Remove and reset all coping stones loosely set on the gabled end walls. Where the City has reset part of the gabled stones incorrectly, use the existing stones, (to save matching stone with surface tooling costs- note Bush hammer to be used for stippling effects with pyramid points) Remove 2” cored coping stone holes and fill with modifiedepoxy cement or natural binder. The coping stones (and all others) would be reset with stainless steels pins cored into the coping stones and attached to the stone wall with modified epoxy mortar. 3.Complete all recommended masonry and roof work on all four elevations as soon as possible. 4.Delay repointing of the West and North elevations until stone stabilization is completed on the lower West and North elevations. 5.Review and plan to adapt Capital Improvement Needs and Schedule with project costs to complete all recommended work Destructive Testing Report Forbes Library City of Northampton, MA Page 5 of 7 ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ìÔÍÈÍÍÖÈ×ÉÈÙÇÈ ÓÉÎÍÈÛÆÛÓÐÛÚÐ× ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÇÊ× ì×ÎÎÓÏÛÎêÍÛØ ðìúû ûÊÙÔÓÈ×ÙÈÉóÎÙ ìÐÛÎÎÓÎÕúÍÉÈÍÎïû  óÎÈ×ÊÓÍÊÉè×Ð    ùÍÎÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÍÎÉöÛÄ     ïÛÎÛÕ×Ï×ÎÈÓÎÖÍüÐÌÚÛÙÍÏ ìÔÍÈÍÍÖÈ×ÉÈÙÇÈ ÓÉÎÍÈÛÆÛÓÐÛÚÐ× ÷ÄÓÉÈÓÎÕùÍÎØÓÈÓÍÎÉöÍÊÚ×ÉðÓÚÊÛÊà ø×ÉÈÊÇÙÈÓÆ×è×ÉÈÓÎÕïÛÉÍÎÊÃê×ÌÍÓÎÈÓÎÕ òÇÎ× îÍÊÈÔÛÏÌÈÍÎïû City of Northampton Forbes Library Masonry Stone Stabilization, Repointing, and Related Repairs, Phase III 20 West Street Northampton, MA 01060 DRAWINGS FOR CONSTRUCTION Architecture 28 Penniman Road PlanningBoston, MA 02134 InteriorsTel 617/782/9131 LPBA/ Architects, Inc. ConstructionFax 617/782/9141 Email info@lpba.com Management