gallier hall - Cypress Building Conservation

GALLIER HALL
545 St. Charles Avenue | New Orleans, LA | 70130
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Submitted to:
City of New Orleans
Capital Projects Administration
Facilities, Infrastructure, and Community Development
City Hall | 1300 Perdido Street | Suite 6E15 | New Orleans, LA | 70112
Prepared By:
Cypress Building Conservation
614 Gravier Street | New Orleans, LA | 70130
October 14, 2014
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Architectural Material Analysis and Conditions Assessment of
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................6-9
BUILDING HISTORY/SIGNIFICANCE..............................................................................................................................................................10-12
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................................................................................................13-14
CONDITIONS GLOSSARY.............................................................................................................................................................................................15-21
FINDINGS/ANALYSIS......................................................................................................................................................................................................22-29
RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................................................................................................................30
APPENDIX A: DOCUMENTATION, CONDITIONS MAPPING, and STABILIZATION DRAWINGS
APPENDIX B: ATKINSON-NOLAND & ASSOCIATES NON -DESTRUCTIVE TESTING REPORT
INTRODUCTION
In September 2014, Cypress Building Conservation was contracted by the City of New
Orleans to conduct a conditions assessment and material analysis of Gallier Hall’s façade,
following the fall of a large section of the building’s cornice. A conditions assessment
involves the thorough examination of the building materials, deterioration patterns and
identification of sources of deterioration. Understanding this information is imperative in
order to develop an informed and effective conservation plan for the building. This phase of
work serves as the first step in the emergency repair of Gallier Hall.
Gallier Hall is owned by the City of New Orleans and is located at 545 St. Charles Avenue
within the Central Business District. Built by renowned architect James Gallier Sr. in 1850, it
is considered to be the finest extant example of Greek Revival architecture in the City.
The current scope of work calls for the analysis of the marble building elements that make
up the St. Charles Avenue façade. No other elevations or building materials are included in
this initial analysis. However, a brief visual survey of other parts of the building reveals the
need for a comprehensive building conditions assessment. Life-safety issues, particularly in
the plaster ceiling within the portico and the cornice running the perimeter of the building,
may be identified through an expanded assessment program.
The design of Gallier Hall is modeled after the Erecththeum (built 406 B.C.) on the
Athenian Acropolis. Decorative elements of Gallier Hall, such as the cornice, architrave and
fluted ionic columns and capitals, are direct and accurate copies from this ancient Greek
temple.
INTRODUCTION | 5 |
METHODOLOGY
A thorough conditions assessment involves a multi-step process that includes research,
documentation, survey, analysis and presentation. Because of the significance of the
building and in the interest of public safety, the conditions assessment process was
expedited and completed within a four-week time period. The methodology undertaken
during this four-week period is outlined as follows:
I. ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
Archival research forms the foundation of all historic and material analyses of historic
architecture. Reviewing all existing documentation can reveal original construction methods,
subsequent restoration campaigns, previous deterioration issues, and building significance.
The City provided original architectural specifications written by architect James Gallier.
Several of Gallier’s drawings were also located, including sections and details. Also provided
were drawings from various facade restoration campaigns. Reference books on New Orleans’
architectural history were an invaluable source of contextual and historical information.
Local archives were consulted including HNOC’s digital catalog which was especially useful
for locating historic photographs. Additionally, previous research conducted on buildings
similar to Gallier Hall in terms of physical materials and deterioration patterns were
consulted, specifically
the Metropolitan
Club and the Tweed
Courthouse in New
York City.
1845 architectural drawings
by James Gallier, Sr..
Source: City of New Orleans
GALLIER HALL | 6 |
METHODOLOGY
II. MATERIAL ANALYSIS/IDENTIFICATION
In order to analyze deterioration patterns and their effect on the structure, the building
materials must first be identified in terms of their physical properties.
The marble type was identified through archival research and visual observation. In the
laboratory, samples of stone were observed under a stereomicroscope using reflected light
microscopy. Previous research conducted on this specific type of marble was consulted to
gain a better understanding of the material physical makeup and its means of deterioration,
including Frank Matero and Alberto de Tagle’s “Cleaning, Iron Stain Removal, and Surface
Repair of Architectural Marble and Crystalline Limestone: The Metropolitan Club” JAIC,
Volume 34, Number 1, Article 4 (1995) p 49-68.
Once the material properties were understood, the exact location and number of individual
stones were located on field drawings . This task provided a baseline drawing on which the
specific locations of decay within each stone could be mapped.
III. CONDITIONS SURVEY
After the stones were
identified and located, the
various conditions were
identified and defined in
the field based on a visual
inspection of each stone.
These conditions were
compiled in a conditions
glossary for reference.
METHODOLOGY | 7 |
METHODOLOGY
IV. DOCUMENTATION
Documentation includes a written and visual recording of the building in its current state.
It is an essential component of an effective conservation plan as it serves a multitude of
purposes, including:
_establishing a baseline from which all future deterioration can be measured
_recording the building for historical and record keeping purposes
_helping to design and implement repair specifications
_effectively communicating the problem areas to the various interested parties
_monitoring restoration work
The conservators utilized rectified photography to document the building in its current state.
Rectified photography involves the use of a digital camera and design software to produce
a photographic representation of the subject without perspective or distortion. High
resolution photographs were taken in the field and then stitched together and manipulated
using Photoshop software. This process allows the creation of a high resolution image of
the entire building, allowing one to visualize all building components and their relationship
to each other. It also serves as an excellent document on which to record conditions and
their locations.
Drawings were then made by tracing over the rectified photograph in AutoCAD, a drafting
software. These drawings serve as a visual aid for locating deterioration conditions within
each stone unit.
Rectified photoelevations of the St. Charles Avenue facade
GALLIER HALL | 8 |
METHODOLOGY
V. CONDITIONS MAPPING
Conditions mapping provides a way to visualize and understand the patterns of deterioration
and how they are related to each other and contribute to decay. Locations of conditions
were noted in the field on printed out versions of rectified photographs and drawings. They
were then transferred digitally and assigned specific hatching patterns to distinguish each
type using AutoCAD.
VI. NON-DESTRUCTIVE STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT
The conservators recommended advanced testing in order to identify decay issues beneath
the stone surface, not visible to the naked eye. Cypress Building Conservation served as the
liaison between the City contractor and Atkinson-Noland & Associates, an engineering firm
who conducted non-destructive testing. Their results are included as an appendix to this
report.
METHODOLOGY | 9 |
BUILDING HISTORY/SIGNIFICANCE
Architect James Gallier, Sr. submitted the original design specifications for what was then
referred to as Municipal Hall in 1845. The building was intended to serve as the Second
Municipality City Hall following the splitting of the City of New Orleans into three different
municipalities in 1836. The split was a result of growing tensions between Creole and
American powers. The second municipality was Anglo-dominated, and included the
neighborhood uptown of Canal to Felicity Streets, formerly known as Faubourg St. Marie and
often referred to as the American Sector.
When the three municipalities of New
Orleans merged again in 1852, the
building assumed the title of City Hall
from the Cabildo, an indication of
the strengthening American control
over a once Creole-dominated city.
It remained in use as New Orleans
City Hall until 1958 when the current
modern City Hall was completed and
the building was renamed Gallier
Hall. The City maintains ownership
of the building, using it for meetings
and events and also leasing it out as
a venue.
James Gallier, Sr. was an Irish
immigrant (original name: Gallagher)
who arrived in New Orleans by
way of New York City in the mid1830s, a time of rapid growth and
City Hall as it appeared in 1864. Source: Marshall Dunham
prosperity for the city. Gallier quickly
Photograph Album (Mss. 3241), Louisiana and Lower Mississippi
Valley Collections, LSU LIbraries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
established himself as one of the
city’s premier architects, popularizing
the neoclassical style that had been previously introduced to New Orleans by Benjamin
Henry Latrobe. His design for Gallier Hall is considered the finest example of Greek Revival
architecture that remains in New Orleans, notable for its proportion and symmetry.
GALLIER HALL | 10 |
BUILDING HISTORY/SIGNIFICANCE
Robert Seaton was commissioned as the builder,
although Gallier took over this role during
construction. Construction was completed by 1850.
There have been three known facade restorations
occurring in 1949, 1967 and 1984. The 1949
restoration was triggered when the arm of Liberty,
one of the carved marble statues in the pediment,
fell off the building and onto the sidewalk below.
There are no extant drawings from this restoration
campaign. However, HABS documentation indicates
that the building was restored and cleaned at this
time.
Architect James Gallier, Sr.
Source: knowla.org
In 1967, Cimini and Meric Associates was engaged to restore and stabilize the marble
facade. The record drawings include instructions to “remove and reset” the entire course
of the cornice (labeled ‘coping’ and ‘facia’ in the drawings). Additional patches and repairs
of deteriorated marble are also shown on the drawings, as well as the application of a
“waterproof coating” to the pediment. Whether or not all of these notes were carried out is
still unclear; specifications have not
yet been located.
Drawings from the 1984 campaign
indicate alterations to the drainage
details and include sandblasting
of stone caps to remove previous
asphalt coating.
In 1974, the building was designated
as a National Historic Landmark.
Scaffolding at pediment level, 1979-1983.
Source: Charles L. Franck / Franck-Bertacci Photographers
Collection, The Historic New Orleans Collection
BUILDING HISTORY | 11 |
BUILDING HISTORY/SIGNIFICANCE
Though Gallier Hall is no longer the center of political life, it maintains an important
role in New Orleans’ social and cultural traditions. Since the first Rex parade in 1872,
important officials and visitors have witnessed Mardi Gras from its granite steps. Each
year, the Kings of Rex and Zulu stop their parade in front of Gallier Hall to toast
the Queen of Carnival and the Mayor. It has been the site of mayoral inaugurations,
Super Bowl victory parties, visiting dignitary welcoming parties, and countless other
celebrations and events. Gallier Hall remains one of New Orleans’ most important civic
buildings.
“Little Miss Lucille Newlin and Mayor Behrman Welcome Rex at City Hall, 1917”
Source: The Historic New Orleans Collection
GALLIER HALL | 12 |
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Gallier Hall is a three-story masonry structure of the Ionic order in the Greek Revival
style. The first level of the façade including the steps is built of Blue Quincy granite. The
remainder of the façade including the portico is made of Tuckahoe marble. The stone
façade is tied into a structural brick backing wall with iron fastening anchors including rods,
pins and crimps. The other three elevations of the building are brick construction covered in
scored stucco to give the appearance of stone with decorative marble elements applied to
the south elevation.
The portico is supported by two rows of fluted Ionic columns. The entablature is without
ornamentation exhibiting a cornice line
protruding over a row of dentils and simple
frieze. An alto-relievo sculpture representing
Liberty, Justice and Commerce adorns the
typanum. The raking cornice exhibits an
anthemion motif, Three acroterions crown
the pediment: two on either side as well as
a larger central cap.
Six pilasters span the length of the façade.
Four 9-over-9 double hung wooden
windows flank each side of the central
entrance. They lack ornamentation, with a
An anthenium motif crowns the cornice of the facade.
small sill below each opening. The central This motif is a common decorative element of Greek
Revival architecture, representing stylized honeysuckle
doorway is made up of six large wooden
leaves and palms.
panels. It is surrounded by intricate moldings
and crowned by a decorative cresting and bracketed cornice line.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION | 13 |
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
TUCKAHOE MARBLE
Tuckahoe marble is a stone sourced
from Westchester County, New York. It
was a highly popular building material
throughout the 19th century, prized
for its bright white color, durability,
and workability. While its use was
concentrated in the northeast, it was
shipped to New Orleans in order to meet
Gallier’s specifications for the “best and
purest description of white northern
marble.”
A 20x microscopic image of the marble from Gallier
Hall shows traces of tremolite, which presents itself in
rectangular bands.
There is some discrepancy as to the
correct geological classification of Tuckahoe marble. True marbles are metamorphic
rocks formed by the recrystallization of calcite or dolomite. Tuckahoe marble, because
of its high magnesium carbonate content, is often referred to as a dolomitic limestone
or dolomitic marble. It is capable of taking a polish—a characteristic of marbles—but it
exhibits weathering patterns similar to that of limestone because it maintains remnants of
limestone-like bedding planes,
Tuckahoe marble is distinctive for
its medium to coarse grain size. It
maintains a high percentage of
dolomite and calcite, and contains
silicate minerals tremolite and
phlogopite, which can appear on a
weathered surface as dark mineral
inclusions. The stone also exhibits
traces of metatite and pyrite, ironbearing minerals that oxidize when
exposed to air and moisture, causing
Visual analysis of the cornice stone that fell from the building visible intrinsic metallic staining.
shows the presence of bedding planes and discontinuities in
the stone where the stone detached.
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CONDITIONS GLOSSARY
The following conditions glossary illustrates and defines the deterioration conditions
identified on the Gallier Hall facade through visual inspection.
MORTAR LOSS
DETERIORATED
JOINT MORTAR
Stone joints where the pointing mortar is completely loss
Stone joints where the pointing mortar is eroded, heavily
soiled, or repaired with a new mortar not matching the
original in appearance or properties
CONDITIONS GLOSSARY | 15 |
CONDITIONS GLOSSARY
DIMENSIONAL
LOSS
CRACKING
GALLIER HALL | 16 |
Localized stone loss greater than 2 square inches in area
Cracks of varying orientation and depth. Usually associated
with displacement/deformation or incipient spalling
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DISPLACEMENT/
and cracking or separation of stone resulting in
DEFORMATION
INCIPIENT
SPALLING
shifting of surface more than ½ inch out of plan
Surface planar discontinuities that have become partially
separated from the parent stone
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CONDITIONS GLOSSARY | 17 |
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DIFFERENTIAL
EROSION
MINERAL
INCLUSIONS
GALLIER HALL | 18 |
Surface weathering exhibiting large areas of coarse texture,
pitting, or reduction in surface details
Presence of inherent iron-bearing minerals such as pyrite and
hematite
SK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
REPAIR
STONE UNIT
REPLACEMENT
A mortar or resin based treatment system used as a surface
repair for spalls, cracks and losses
Previous repair using an entirely new and often different type
of stone
CONDITIONS GLOSSARY | 19 |
CORROSION/
METALLIC
STAINING
MECHANICAL
INTRUSIONS
GALLIER HALL | 20 |
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Localized discoloration resulting from the oxidation of
ferrous masonry anchors and pins
Metal fasteners and protection elements that are drilled
into the masonry. Includes evidence of previous mechanical
intrusions that have been removed and repaired.
SOILING
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VEGETATION
The presence of large leafy plants and ferns on the building.
Associated to open mortar joints and areas containing
sufficient moisture to sustain plant life
Blackening or discoloration of the marble surface due to
biogrowth or the deposition of airborne pollution. In areas
exposed to the elements, biogrowth is an indication of the
path of moisture over the building surface.
CONDITIONS GLOSSARY | 21 |
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
The underlying cause for deterioration throughout the building façade is a lack of
maintenance. Small and seemingly insignificant areas of decay begin to develop over
time and when ignored, trigger more serious conditions. Conditions are compounded and
exacerbated by each other. Eventually, what began as a small maintenance problem can
eventually result in catastrophic loss, particularly of protruding building elements such as
the cornice.
Mortar serves as the sacrificial element of a masonry structure and over time is expected to
deteriorate. Deterioration of the mortar joints helps to preserve the individual masonry units
by creating a path for the flow of water. However, lack of maintenance allows advanced
mortar deterioration including complete or partial
loss. Mortar loss allows water to enter into the
voids and into the permeable stone where it is
unable to dry out.
Each stone is anchored into the brick backing wall
by ferrous metal fasteners. When failed mortar
joints allow water into the stone, the metal
fasteners are also exposed to water and air. This
sets in motion the oxidation of the metal units,
meaning they begin to corrode and expand. As
the metal expands, it creates stress within the
stone unit, beginning the displacement process.
Displacement is first evident through cracking.
Eventually, the cracks advance into a spall,
meaning the area of the stone on which the
stress is applied begins to detach. The spall will
eventually advance into dimensional loss if not
addressed.
Mortar loss between the decorative elements
above allow water to infiltrate the stones below.
Left unmaintained, this joint has caused the
cornice stone to crack along remaining bedding
planes left by the partial metamorphosis of the
parent limestone.
Corrosion of ferrous metal fasteners is evident throughout the building by the presence of
orange and/or reddish staining on the stone units. Metallic staining can also be attributed
to mineral inclusions within the stone. As they are iron-bearing minerals, exposure to water
and air will lead to their oxidation, imparting an orange stain on the surface of the marble.
GALLIER HALL | 22 |
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
The coarse-grains of the dolomitic marble
factor into the way the stone deteriorates.
Because Tuckahoe marble is not fully
metamorphosed, it maintains traces of
bedding planes. These bedding planes
form discontinuities within the stone, acting
as inherent weaknesses through which
decay is channeled. Similarly, mineral
inclusions within the stone serve as inherent
weaknesses that, when exposed to the
elements, will exacerbate erosion patterns.
A 20x microscopic image of deteriorating Gallier Hall
facade stone shows disaggregation of the mineral
components.
Soiling and vegetation are visible
manifestations of the presence of water
and are therefore excellent signs of
advanced areas of deterioration. While most of the vegetation on the building consists of
soft herbaceous perennials with relatively small, non-invasive root systems, there is some
evidence of larger plants that may affect the building structure.
Surface erosion is expected as the building naturally ages and weathers. However, the
rate of erosion in certain areas can be hastened by several factors. In areas where there is
poor drainage, concentrated and persistent flows of water deteriorate the stone. Advanced
erosion is also evident in areas protected from
rainwater, in which case the erosion is attributed
to mineral inclusions and inherent weaknesses
of the stone. Additionally, some erosion such as
pitting (visible as small depressions in the stone
surface) are indicative of the damage caused by
prior cleaning methods that may have used harsh
abrasives.
Surface pitting caused by the presence of mineral
inclusions
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS | 23 |
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
PEDIMENT
The pediment and its protruding stones exhibit advanced deterioration patterns, the majority
of which are of high concern in terms of public life safety.
The massive failure that occurred in late August 2014 was located on the protruding
horizontal cornice. This failure is attributed to deterioration of mortar joints which allowed
water to seep through the stone and channel through internal discontinuities in the stone.
Cracks formed along inherent foliation planes within the stone, accelerating decay in these
specific areas. Additionally, corrosion of the metal fasteners attaching the stone to the
building corroded, creating an expansive force to further weaken the stone. Eventually, the
stone was displaced along the weak bedding planes, leading to catastrophic failure and loss.
Conditions mapping reveals that several stones are exhibiting the same type of
deterioration patterns as that of the one that was lost. Significant cracking is evident in
the cornice stone adjacent to the one that failed. There is a high probability that all of the
protruding cornice stones have similar bedding planes along which cracking and eventual
loss can occur.
Complete failure of stone unit located in cornice
GALLIER HALL | 24 |
Significant cracking is evident in the cornice stone
adjacent to the one that failed.
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Several areas of stone replacement are
visible at the very top of the raking cornice.
Replacements are evidence of previous
restoration campaigns addressing advanced
erosion or loss. Erosion at the raking cornice
is attributed to runoff of rain water. Similarly,
poor drainage may have allowed water to
seep into the stone units and create spalling
and eventual loss at the corners of the stone
where the metal fasteners are anchored. The
carved anthenium relief of the raking cornice
is also experiencing erosion, due to natural
weathering.
In the 1967 campaign, several repairs and
stone unit replacements were made that did
not match the existing material. In order to
visually unify the repairs, a cementitious wash
was applied across the pediment. This wash
serves to obscure issues and is advancing
deterioration as it traps moisture within the
stone face. Similarly, waterproof coatings
that were previously applied have advanced
deterioration. As the waterproofing fails,
water is channeled and concentrated in
specific areas, advancing decay.
Erosion, spalling and stone replacement at raking
cornice
Replacement stones are also evident
throughout the entablature at various corners
of stone units. This is indicative of corrosion
Stucco wash obscuring cracking, signs of water
of metal fasteners and previous spalling and infiltration.
loss. The majority of ferrous metal anchors
in the cornice line and entablature are located at the corners of each stone unit, near the
mortar joints. Therefore it is easy for these metal pins to be exposed to air and water. This
makes mortar failure an extremely important condition to monitor to prevent corrosion and
eventual loss.
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS | 25 |
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
The tympanum describes the triangular flat wall surface bounded by the cornice,
ornamented by the sculpture of Liberty, Justice and Commerce. Several of the tympanum
stones have experienced previous spalling or loss, evident by the visibility of previous
surface repairs and patching. There is also evidence of previous stucco coatings, applied in
an attempt to aesthetically unify the repairs with the original material.
The sculptures are in a good, clean condition, except for sulphation crusts that have
accumulated in protected areas such as the folds of Liberty’s dress. There is some metallic
staining evident from the exposed pins holding the statues in place. The most serious
condition in the tympanum are the pedestal stones on which the sculptures rest. The edges
and joints are void of mortar, allowing water to collect and flow into the building structure
and seep into the elements below. This is a serious issue as the protruding cornice line lays
directly beneath the pedestal.
A majority of joints on the
pediment including those in the
raking cornice, horizontal cornice,
and crown molding within the
entablature, are experiencing
some level of deterioration.
Joints between stones are either
void of mortar or the mortar is
actively deteriorating.
The left corner of the building
illustrates the decay issues
that are instigated by mortar
deterioration.
GALLIER HALL | 26 |
Deterioration of the joints between the pedestal causing
deterioration of the cornice stones below
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Differential erosion is evident on select stones, and within the decorative scrollwork of the
pediment. Erosion includes evidence of pitting, visible as small depressions in the stone
surface. Pitting can be attributed to weathering, but also to previous cleaning methods that
may have used harsh abrasives or pressure.
The dentils are in relatively good shape based on a visual inspection. They are carved out
of a larger piece of stone that is largely protected by the protruding cornice above. There is
evidence of sulphation crusts, especially on the side faces of the dentils. Sulphation crusts
are pollutants that accumulate in sheltered areas through the reaction of carbon dioxide
in the air with the calcium carbonate in the stone, creating calcium sulphate. While this
encrustation contributes to erosion, it does not necessarily present a structural issue. Some
cracks were evident in the dentil system, associated with deteriorated mortar joints above.
Please refer to Atkinson-Noland & Associates report for their observations of the dentil
course.
Water infiltration occurs at deteriorated mortar joints, finding its way to the interior of the stone. Cracks
begin to form at inherent weaknesses in stone. Vegetation and soiling are evidence of the presence of
sufficient moisture to sustain biogrowth or vegetation.
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS | 27 |
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
COLUMNS
The columns exhibit differential erosion throughout the flutes. This is attributed to inherent
foliation patterns and mineral inclusions within the stone. Conditions mapping reveals a
definite relationship between mineral inclusions and advanced erosion.
Incipient spalling and cracking is concentrated near mortar joints, warning of future loss
and erosion. These areas are points of weaknesses within the column shaft, susceptible to
breakage because of bedding planes and their proximity to mortar joints.
There are several serious cracks, located across column capitals that may indicate future
failure. Again, cracking is attributed to corrosion of ferrous metal pins.
Through cracking of the capital volute
Mineral inclusions in the column shaft
Cracking of the column volutes
GALLIER HALL | 28 |
CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
FACADE
Similar to the conditions described in the tympanum, the façade wall spanning the building
is exhibiting spalling at the corner of many stones. Again, this is attributed to water intrusion
corroding the ferrous metal fastening system. Previous repairs are evident indicating this
is an ongoing problem. New cracks within repairs are noted and are an indication of active
deterioration. In other words, many of these
repairs have
served
only toEDUCATIONAL
obscure the decay
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mechanisms, but not eliminate them.
CRACK
DISPLACEMENT
SPALLING
EROSION
MINERAL INCLUSIONS
REPAIR
REPLACEMENT
MECHANICAL DAMAGE
VEGETATION
SOILING
LOCATION KEY
0’
10’
20’
30’
40’
BUILDING
CONSERVATION
614 GRAVIER, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130
(225) 936-2680 - [email protected]
cypressbuildingconservation.com
N
EAST ELEVATION
GALLIER HALL
545 ST. CHARLES AVENUE, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130
St. Charles Avenue Facade
Conditions Mapping
Columns Removed
DATE:
10/12/2014
M.3
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LOSS
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CYPRESS
CONDITIONS KEY
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CONDITIONS FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS | 29 |
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for repair and conservation treatments will be developed in the next
phase of the emergency repair for Gallier Hall. However, some recommendations can be
made at this time:
Because of the severity of several conditions identified on the building façade, the
conservators recommend the implementation of a stabilization phase as the immediate
plan of action. Specific issues to be addressed in the stabilization phase will be identified
in the specifications that will follow this report. However, preparation for the stabilization
phase, such as arranging scaffolding and a masonry contractor, can begin immediately.
The conservators also recommend that the City consider expanding the scope of repair
work. Active deterioration issues within the interior portico ceiling and dentils were
identified by both Atkinson-Noland & Associates and Cypress Building Conservation.
Additionally, issues within the cornice line running along the other three elevations of the
building are in need of attention, as evidenced by visible bulging and cracking.
The most important aspect of this report are the graphics that follow in Appendix A. These
graphics indicate the exact locations of conditions, and serve as the basis for which repair
specifications will be made. They allow the visualization of all conditions that are working
together to allow this building to decay.
This conditions assessment serves as the first step to implementing a strategic, informed
and well-developed conservation plan. It is evident that a quick fix can not be prescribed:
the building is far is too important and the risk of more failure far too great. The City has
demonstrated laudable caution by first securing the area beneath the cornice and then
commissioning an informed analysis of the building. By continuing to collaborate with a
range of experts including engineers, historic building experts, architectural conservators, and
experienced historic masonry contractors, the long-term restoration of this important and
historic civic building can be achieved.
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