When it comes to maintaining the integrity and character of historic buildings, experts must balance the preservation of its original design construction, and character with modern-day code requirements and functionality to mitigate the potential for failure while providing continued occupancy for years to come. Augspurger Komm Engineering, Inc. provides niche expertise in Structural Engineering design and analysis services for historic buildings across the United States.
In the following case studies of this series, we will uncover the unique challenges and solutions recommended by subject matter expert, Joe Zbick, P.E. at Augspurger Komm Engineering with his firsthand account of three historic properties. With more than 30 years of experience in the analysis, design, inspection, and evaluation of structures including buildings, roadways and bridges, Zbick’s expertise includes both contemporary and historic structural elements with special knowledge in different types of building materials including, concrete, steel, wood, and masonry (reinforced, unreinforced, brick, and adobe).
Part I of this series on analysis, evaluation, and design that Zbick provided for historic buildings begins with a most iconic property in Phoenix, the Wrigley Mansion.
Wrigley Mansion (Expansion) in Phoenix, AZ
A beloved landmark atop a 100-foot knoll overlooking the Biltmore area of Phoenix, Wrigley Mansion was built in 1931 by chewing-gum magnate and owner of the Chicago Cubs William Wrigley Jr. Fast-forward to 1992, the Hormel family of Hormel Foods Corporation purchased the 16,000-square-foot property before the City of Phoenix could demolish it to build condominiums. Renovations to the mansion have always been handled with sensitivity in a conscious effort to preserve its opulent architecture.
A fun fact about the iconic piano you can view in the living room there today, the Steinway Duo-Art Player Piano, is that it was custom-made for the Wrigleys in 1929 by Steinway himself. Furthermore, “it’s believed that the musical prodigy Władziu Valentino Liberace offered Mr. Wrigley a blank check for the piano, to which William replied, ‘The piano stays with the house,’” according to the Wrigley Mansion website.
For his structural design involvement in the Wrigley Mansion expansion that spanned over a decade, Zbick was part of the team that earned the Kemper Goodwin Award from the American Institute of Architects for the collaborative effort by a team in overcoming design and construction obstacles. The main challenges were marrying the new construction with the existing, while paying close attention to the types of materials that should be used and how. For example, Zbick noted that the exposed wood beams were intentional to keep it aesthetically pleasing and respectful to the 1930s design.
The expansion efforts that began in 2003 included the addition and renovation of restaurant/bar areas. These additions required an analysis of their impact on existing historical structural elements, including a stone retaining wall. Concerns were raised by the City of Phoenix building official regarding the impact of the addition on the original stone retaining wall. The initial solution that was proposed included reinforcing or removing and reconstructing the existing wall to meet the current building code. However, the unique beauty and historical significance of the existing wall would have been compromised. Zbick and the team, including Architect Virginia Senior, worked with city officials to illustrate that not only had the wall withstood the test of time, but also, that the relative location and design of the addition produced no notable added loads to the existing wall. Ultimately, the team’s analysis and presentation to the City were accepted and the stone wall was able to remain in place, thus maintaining the historical beauty of the site.
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There is so much unique character when it comes to historic buildings, but perhaps one similarity they all tend to share is that they were constructed using methods, craftsmanship, and materials not typically used today. For example, unreinforced brick masonry is common in historical buildings, whereas it is rarely if ever, used in modern designs.
Experts in this field, such as Zbick, understand the challenge of preserving the design and character when building safety updates become necessary. With regard to historic buildings, the primary mission of design professionals is to determine the best solutions that will provide a stable structure, while maintaining not only the historical charm but also the historical construction whenever possible.
Stay tuned for Part II, where we highlight the signature Chaves County Courthouse in Roswell, NM!