University of Pennsylvania Façade Restoration
Philadelphia, PA
Owner/ Client:
University of Pennsylvania
Construction Data:
$3.7 million
O&S Services Used:
Surveying
Structural Investigations
Prime Design
Architecture
Structural Engineering
Electrical/ Mechanical Engineering
Sansom Place Towers
O&S was retained to develop and implement a comprehensive façade restoration program at Sansom Place Towers. The four high-rise dormitory buildings are located in the heart of the University City neighborhood.
The exterior building façade of the towers had fallen into disrepair over the years and had numerous deficient conditions including structural and architectural damages and deterioration of the concrete (pre-cast and cast-in-place) façade elements.
O&S managed the restoration of the Sansom Place Towers (East and West) in the summers of 2015 and 2016. The façade repairs of two highrise dormitories included repairs to the exposed reinforced concrete structure, replacement of all building seals, modifications to windows and doors, and flashings at the roof and canopies. Repairs were completed using specialty color-matched concrete patches and stains to meet the aesthetic requirements of the Office of the University Architect. O&S oversaw the development of the repair program, construction document production, bidding phase, and construction administration during implementation. The project was completed on time and on budget.
Construction Cost: $2.9 million
Annenberg School for Communications
The Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania was originally constructed in 1962 with significant additions constructed in the early 80s and the late 90s. The building façade is predominantly limestone panels with large window walls and metal panels. Leaks were reported throughout the building prompting a repair program in 2013.
O&S was the lead designer for the comprehensive building envelope restoration program. The project consisted of replacement of all building joint sealants, repair of spalled limestone via patch and Dutchman methods, removal and resetting of limestone wall panels with repairs/modifications to substrate flashing conditions, installation of new coping flashings, resetting displaced granite wall panels, granite stair reconstruction, and localized roofing base flashing repairs. The project was completed on time and on budget and mitigated the leak problems that had plagued the building for years.
Construction Cost: $750,000
FY17 Multi Building Façade Repairs
The University required high priority repairs at 13 buildings throughout campus based on previously identified issues as part of yearly façade inspections. The buildings varied in construction type and age and the repair work varied in complexity for each building. The project required the assessment of all buildings and the development of a prioritized cost estimate of repairs to be performed. O&S assisted the University in planning and prioritizing the repairs for the most efficient use of available funding to address the needs of the various facades.
Robert Mahan managed the multi-building envelope repair program. The project consisted of replacement of building joint sealants, repair of spalled limestone via patch and Dutchman methods, removal, and replacement of brick masonry with repairs/modifications to substrate flashing conditions, installation of new coping flashings, vertical concrete repairs, terra cotta repairs, and shelf angle replacements.
The project required O&S to perform construction administration duties on all 13 buildings that were under construction concurrently over the University’s summer break. The project was completed on time and on budget and mitigated many hazardous issues as well addressed several leak issues throughout campus.
Construction Cost: 2.8 million