Renovations at the Historic Fox Developmental Center

Assessment and design services for this phased emergency roof replacement and terra cotta repairs for TWO 100-year-old historic structures – the Main Building and the Administration Building.

Our team did a full investigation of the existing terra cotta exterior and detailed methods for removal and repair. A full roof tear-off and replacement was designed, as well as replacement of several failing parapet walls.  Due to the emergency nature of the funding, the work had to be performed over the winter months, which presented coordination and design challenges.

With the age of the buildings, many unanticipated deficiencies were discovered, including the extreme corrosion of 20 steel roof-supporting beams. Because of Farnsworth Group’s full-service capabilities, the structural and architectural teams were able to quickly and efficiently design and detail repair methods to keep the project on track.  Challenges to note on this project were allowing continual use of the building during significant structural repairs, maintaining the historic aesthetics of the buildings, and preserving the terra cotta facades, which are historically and culturally irreplaceable.