W.T. Rich - Boston Public Library, McKim Building

Boston Public Library, McKim Building

OVERVIEW

The McKim Building is one of Boston’s preeminent, historical landmarks and is widely regarded as one of three major architectural masterpieces in the City of Boston. The McKim Building and was in need of extensive exterior roof reconstruction and significant courtyard renovations to restore it to its original design. W.T. Rich Company was hand-picked by the City of Boston to bid on the Boston Public Library McKim Building renovation project and, based on a competitive, lump sum bidding process was awarded the contract.

HIGHLIGHTS

Historical restoration of the interior courtyard of this premier Boston landmark in order to restore it to its original design, built in 1895 by Architect Charles Follen McKim
Reinstallation of a priceless statue in the fountain of the garden courtyard, which is a replica cast of Charles Follen McKim's original ‘Bacchante and Infant Faun’ statue created by Frederick MacMonnies
Extensive roof restoration included the rebuilding of the existing concrete and copper clad gutter and drainage system at the cornice of the building, along with the full restoration of the terracotta tile roof, the copper cheneau, granite cornice work, brick chimneys and copper crestings
The existing skylights were restored and new skylights were added
The library remained fully operational throughout the construction period

Project Information

Location: Boston, MA

Completion: 2001

Contract Value: $6.5 million

Size: 45,000 SF

Type: Renovation | Historical Restoration

Owner: City of Boston

Designer: Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott, Boston, MA

Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build (Special Prequalification Process)

Awards and Honors: Boston Society of Architects - Harleston Parker Medal

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CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

It was critical that the structure and the contents of the library be totally protected from the weather at all times during the construction process. As the existing perimeter drainage and flashing systems, along with the existing roofing, were being removed so that the new work could be installed, extraordinary measures were taken at all times during construction to assure that no damage would occur to the existing structure or its contents
W.T. Rich Company had to deal with the difficulties of restoring existing skylights and installing new skylights in such a manner that the sensitive artwork below the skylights would be totally protected at all times
The other major challenge on this project was overcoming the difficult access to both the inner courtyard and the roofing systems. Access to the site was very limited and all areas had to be protected so as not to interfere with the operation of the Boston Public Library
The Library required minimal disruption to daily operations and the existing building is surrounded by public walkways and plazas. W.T. Rich devised a detailed site logistics plan to ensure that hoisting and scaffolding did not cause interference to the library or pedestrians

RESULTS

Intensive attention to detail was invested to ensure that restored elements retained and replicated the look, feel and character of the original historical features of the building. The project was completed on schedule and on budget and to the highest accolades of the owner, design team and the Boston Public Library. The project was awarded the Boston Society of Architects 2001 Harleston Parker Medal in recognition for excellence. This award, co-sponsored by the City of Boston, recognizes “the single most beautiful building or other structure” built in the metropolitan Boston area.

“I have had a working relationship with W. T. Rich Company for more than 20 years. They tackle each and every project with an incredible sense of passion, commitment, and teamwork. I have found them to be above reproach in their professionalism, workmanship, and the standards for which they set for themselves and their sub-trades. Even in the face of difficult challenges that sometimes arise in the course of a construction project, they are steadfast in their commitment to cooperation, pragmatism, and fairness. Not once have they fallen short of their commitment to total satisfaction.”

Andy Hudak, Director of Construction (Retired)
City of Boston
BPL McKim Building Project

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“I have had a working relationship with W. T. Rich Company for more than 20 years. They tackle each and every project with an incredible sense of passion, commitment, and teamwork. I have found them to be above reproach in their professionalism, workmanship, and the standards for which they set for themselves and their sub-trades. Even in the face of difficult challenges that sometimes arise in the course of a construction project, they are steadfast in their commitment to cooperation, pragmatism, and fairness. Not once have they fallen short of their commitment to total satisfaction.”

Andy Hudak, Director of Construction (Retired)
City of Boston
BPL McKim Building Project

Boston Public Library, McKim Building

Project Information

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