October 2019
Restoring a Concrete Icon at ICRI 2019 Fall Convention
Keast & Hood looks forward to presenting at this year’s ICRI Fall Convention, Historic Restoration: The Art and Science of Preserving Structures
The presentation, Restoration and Repair of an Iconic University of Pennsylvania Garage is a technical session and will take place during the conference on Tuesday, November 12th from 8:00–8:30 am.
Keast & Hood Presenters are Dean Doukakis, Senior Principal and Robert Boris, Structural Engineer for the project.
Designed by noted Philadelphia architects Mitchell/Giurgola Architects in 1961, the Walnut 32 Garage is a significant campus building at the University of Pennsylvania. The completed structure won M/GA widespread acclaim, including a gold medal from the AIA Philadelphia chapter in 1964. Keast & Hood addressed the structure’s various levels of deterioration from moisture intrusion, aging, and other environmental factors, while respectively restoring the garage in concert with the architect’s original design intent.
As the prime consultant for façade renovations to Walnut 32, Keast & Hood examined levels of deterioration common to garages over 50 years old. The façade was very sensitive to repairs due to the limited palette and visibility of every alteration to the concrete façade. Security measures as required by the university’s Department of Public Safety presented a challenge. Keast & Hood and their consultant, Paul Steege & Associates, researched appropriate screens as options to replace fencing and reduce required maintenance while being sensitive to the garage’s design. Concrete surfaces were cleaned, repaired, and coated to blend repair areas with the existing concrete.
For more information and to register, visit the conference website HERE