Period
1891
Cornell University: Uris Library McGraw Tower Restoration
Location
Ithaca, NY
HISTORIC LEGACY
Uris Library, designed by Cornell University’s first architecture student, William Henry Miller, opened in 1891 as the University’s first library.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The work at Uris Library focused on restoring areas of the library’s masonry exterior and the adjacent McGraw Tower, including the roof, clock face and belfry.
RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION
Before construction, a conditions assessment was executed by assessing existing conditions, extensive archival research, and digitally documenting the building. Additionally, a Historic American Building Survey (HABS) was submitted, accepted and donated to the library of congress to include in their HABS collection.
The report led to the determination that the chevron patterned copper lead roof had reached the end of its service life and needed to be replaced. The University wished to maintain the 1935 iconic chevron roof design, so the project team worked to develop a solution that would create a watertight modern roof system while maintaining the traditional medieval chevron pattern.
DESIGN
The design team studied traditional European Tower roofing that was originally constructed with sheet lead rather than rigid copper pans. Once sheet lead was identified as the best material to achieve both the desired appearance and long-term weather protection for the roof, mockups were created.
The team refined the chevron pattern to eliminate complex and unnecessary clusters of acute angle intersections of vertical battens that would have complicated fabrication and compromised long-term performance. Because this altered the historic pattern, the revised design had to be approved by the Ithaca Historic Review Commission and was accepted.
REALIZATION
To ensure successful execution, the team sought expertise outside of the United States and identified contractors and skilled workman in Ottawa, where lead roofs are used at the Gothic Revival Capitol buildings. The team applied information from European lead roof manuals and collaborated closely with Canadian craftsmen to develop detailing for the tower roof. The team fully fulfilled the University’s goal of preserving the tower’s historic appearance while providing a high-performing roofing system.
Craftsmen from Heather & Little Co.
Additional worked completed on McGraw Tower included the reconstruction, pointing and cleaning of west and south gable masonry wall and parapet; electrical upgrades to roofing snow melt system; replacement of flat seam copper roofing and flashings; reconstruction of stone main entrance steps, including new foundation; belfry stone arch low-pressure masonry wall grouting, pointing and cleaning; belfry liquid-applied roofing and flashing replacement; belfry ornamental iron hand rail replacement; tower roof structural steel frame repairs, reinforcement, and painting.
