Washington D.C., USA
MTFA Design + Preservation (MTFA D+P) completed interior and exterior condition assessments, developed construction documents for the exterior rehabilitation and provided construction administration.
The whole project was completed in two phases and has been awarded a 2021 American Award for Architecture from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Phase I: MTFA D+P assembled a team of experts to assess the historic interior and exterior of the library to identify all of the historic materials and finishes, as well as their treatment priorities.
For the exterior, a condition assessment was conducted to evaluate a deep black stain at the entablature on the perimeter of the entire building, as well as consistent spalling in the marble on each elevation.
MTFA D+P’s conservators interpreted analytical testing using X-Ray Diffraction to identify the source of the stain and confirmed degraded lead-coated copper flashing was the culprit.
Cleaning protocols were tested to define the most successful and efficient cleaning sequence.
The structural system was investigated to understand the relationship between the structure, marble, and visible spalling.
The final report included drawings and cost estimates for the exterior repairs.
Phase II: After the condition assessment process, the team prepared construction documents for the exterior rehabilitation with a precise scope of work and a budget target.
Frequent meetings with the Folger were held to refine the project details, including phasing requirements which were critical for allowing the building to remain occupied during construction.
Local regulatory agencies, the DC State Historic Preservation Office, and the Commission of Fine Arts was included early in the design process and provided full approval of the final
design.
Project: Folger Shakespeare Library
Architects: MTFA Design + Preservation, PLLC.
Design Team: James P. Clark, Amanda Edwards, and Meredith Wilson
Original Architect: Paul Philippe Cret (1932)
Client: Folger Shakespeare Library
Contractor: Dan Lepore & Sons Company
Photographers: Prakash Pate
