Statue of Liberty National Monument

The award-winning project entailed the complete reconstruction of the 10-story pedestal’s interior to effect improved circulation, enhanced accessibility, and a higher life-safety standard within the national monument.

Keast & Hood served as part of a multi-disciplinary design team led by Mills + Schnoering Architects to upgrade visitor safety and comfort at the Statue of Liberty. Work included structural engineering consultation on an initial three-month pre-project to replace helical railings, culminating in the crown’s temporary re-opening July 4, 2009 after an eight-year closure. 

The primary life-safety improvement project completed in 2012 featured a complete renovation to the interior of the pedestal to introduce a new elevator and two separate but intertwined code-compliant stair structures that ascend within the pedestal and around existing historic girders by Gustave Eiffel.  Two separate egress routes beyond the pedesdal were introduced through abandoned elements of the War of 1812-era Fort Wood, and new mechanical systems in ancillary spaces required reinforcement of 1960’s-era construction surrounding the pedestal and sensitive routing of new systems through the historic fabric.  Extensive site representation was provided to respond rapidly to multiple field conditions and help maintain the tight construction schedule.

The renovation was recognized with a 2013 Building Design + Construction Gold Award, a 2013 Delaware Valley Association of Structural Engineers Outstanding Project Award, and a 2013 Merit Award from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Concrete Institute and the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association.