November 2011
Baumert Presents at MONUMENTAL City Hall Symposium
Preservation and the Future: The Structure of City Hall was presented Saturday, Nov. 5.
The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design, Historic Preservation Program hosted MONUMENTAL: Designing and Restoring Philadelphia City Hall November 4-6 to commemorate completion of the building’s exterior restoration. Keast & Hood Co. senior consultant Carl A. Baumert, Jr., PE, lectured on the structure of City Hall Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m.
Baumert discussed the structure of City Hall past and present, with emphasis on structural restoration and preservation as part of the recently-completed project. Baumert served as lead structural consultant for the multi-disciplinary restoration of City Hall since 1991, and continues involvement with ongoing preservation and structural maintenance issues.
MONUMENTAL began with a keynote and reception Friday, Nov. 4 at Conversation Hall in City Hall. Baumert’s presentation fell in Saturday’s full day of lectures at PennDesign. The symposium culminated with tours of City Hall on Sunday. Invited speakers discussed the design, construction, and preservation of City Hall, while an exhibit highlighted artifacts and images.
Baumert has worked as a structural engineer for almost 60 years. He was a principal of Keast & Hood Co. from 1963 to 1995, during which time he directed structural engineering for scores of major new building and renovation design projects. He currently focuses on historic restoration and rehabilitation projects. Baumert’s project experience includes work for the University of Pennsylvania, University of Delaware, Harvard University, and the Union League. His work on historic buildings and national landmarks has included Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Smith’s Saint Peter’s Church and Christ Church (NJ), and Perry’s Victory International Peace Monument.
For additional information, visit http://www.design.upenn.edu/historic-preservation/symposium-restoration-philadelphia-city-hall