A new 4,000-sf center welcomes visitors to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the oldest known replica of the revered French shrine.
Mount Saint Mary’s University was founded in 1808 as the nation’s second-oldest Catholic university. In one of multiple projects for the university, Keast & Hood provided structural engineering for a new welcome center that explains the importance and history of the grotto and the university. The building features exposed heavy timber trusses and is clad in traditional stone reflecting the history of the locale. However, modern and creative engineering was required to achieve the large openings, curvilinear orientation, and thin structural elements. Structural materials included concrete foundations and retaining walls, structural steel framing, and CMU walls. In addition to interior space, the Grotto Welcome Center includes occupiable roof and trellised patio areas.
A new 4,000-sf center welcomes visitors to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the oldest known replica of the revered French shrine.
Mount Saint Mary’s University was founded in 1808 as the nation’s second-oldest Catholic university. In one of multiple projects for the university, Keast & Hood provided structural engineering for a new welcome center that explains the importance and history of the grotto and the university. The building features exposed heavy timber trusses and is clad in traditional stone reflecting the history of the locale. However, modern and creative engineering was required to achieve the large openings, curvilinear orientation, and thin structural elements. Structural materials included concrete foundations and retaining walls, structural steel framing, and CMU walls. In addition to interior space, the Grotto Welcome Center includes occupiable roof and trellised patio areas.
CLIENT: Mount Saint Mary's University
LOCATION: Emmitsburg, MD
TYPE: Academic, Religious, SERVICES: New Construction, MATERIALS: Concrete, Heavy Timber, Masonry, Steel, Wood, SUSTAINABILITY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
