Michigan Central Station Guastavino Vault Restoration

Description

The Rafael Guastavino Company, led by Rafael Guastavino Moreno (1842-1908), brought the traditional form of Catalan vault construction to the United States, and created some of the country’s most distinct vaulted ceilings and domes. Guastavino’s structures ranged from short-span ceilings, valued for their “fireproof” construction qualities, to soaring monumental vaults.

Guastavino vaults are not only beautiful and decorative architectural features, but also elegant and often complex structural systems. With a combination of robust mortar, geometric curvature, stiffening ribs, strategically placed bracing struts, or integrated steel framing, the thin tiles can span large distances to create a grand ceiling, such as that at the Michigan Central Station in Detroit.

Professionals involved in the restoration of the Michigan Central Station, including members from the design and construction teams, will discuss the process and lessons learned with restoring the Guastavino vaults on this monumental rehabilitation project. Presentation topics will include:

• How Did We Get Here? Background and History – The history and transformation story behind the iconic historic train station including approach and challenges of repairs to Guastavino vaults from an architect’s point of view, focusing on coordination and collaboration efforts as well as quality control measures to implement during construction.
• How Does It Work? Documentation and Structural Analysis of Guastavino Vaults – The process of evaluation of historic documentation, on-site investigation, and structural analysis using a combination of hand calculations and historic methods along with modern finite element analysis to develop structural repairs for the Guastavino tile and steel truss systems.
• Methods of Material Analysis for Guastavino Tiles and Mortar – The various types of field and laboratory tests commonly used to determine the condition and durability of Guastavino tiles and mortar used in the vault systems. It is important to understand the material properties and components so that compatible repair materials can be selected.
• Coordinating Construction and Specialty Masonry Procurement – The structural and architectural restoration of the Guastavino domes at Michigan Central Station required utilization of a procurement system for specialty masonry restoration not typical in the construction industry. Due to the monumental size of the masonry restoration work and an archaic masonry system not common to the area, the project’s construction manager developed a process to achieve a qualified masonry restoration team to implement the work and ensure budget control.

Speaker Info

Angela D. Wyrembelski, AIA, APT RP
Quinn Evans
Associate Principal
angela.wyrembelski@quinnevans.com
313-462-2562
www.quinnevans.com

Angela Wyrembelski, AIA received her Masters in Architecture from Boston Architectural College and her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. Angela has contributed to the renewal of iconic civic landmarks as well as cultural and commercial properties that have reinvigorated urban communities and spurred economic growth. A passionate advocate for historic preservation, Ms. Wyrembelski enjoys the opportunity to extend the life of vacant and underused buildings. She embraces the challenges inherent in complex restoration and adaptive use initiatives, approaching these projects with a creative and curious eye and a discerning perspective that leads to innovative yet practical solutions.

Margaret Cowie, PE
T.Y.Lin
Associate
margaret.cowie@tylin.com
202-333-6230
www.tylin.com

Margaret Cowie is a licensed structural engineer working in Washington, DC in the United States at T.Y.Lin. Margaret studied structural engineering and historic preservation at Columbia University in New York City, and she has worked in New York and DC. Her project work encompasses a range of building types and systems, with a focus on historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Much of Margaret’s work has focused on analysis of unreinforced masonry structures, including restoration of Guastavino structures at Michigan Central Station, the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, and several others, and seismic upgrades using base isolation at the masonry towers of the Smithsonian Castle.

Stephanie M. Hoagland, FAIC, APT RP
Jablonski Building Conservation, Inc.
Principal
shoagland@jbconservation.com
212-532-7775 x150
www.jbconservation.com

Stephanie M. Hoagland is a Principal and Architectural Conservator with Jablonski Building Conservation Inc. where she’s been employed since 2003. She has a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Ms. Hoagland has worked on a variety of Guastavino projects including Buffalo Central Terminal in New York, Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey; Second Presbyterian Church in Newark, NJ, St. Francis De Sales Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia, PA, and St. Paul Union Depot in Minnesota. Ms. Hoagland is a Recognized Professional with the Association for Preservation Technology and a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.

Beth Yorke, AIA
Christman Construction
Project Director
beth.yorke@christmanco.com
313-908-6060
www.christmanco.com

Beth Yorke is a design and construction professional with diverse industry experience. Highly adapt at managing construction teams and owner relationships. A strong track record in financial management, contract administration, and risk management. Known for being versatile in the industry with expertise in Construction Management, Operations, and Architecture.

Webinar Partner: APT Eastern Great Lakes Chapter

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