January 2014, East Chicago Harbor Carnegie Library Restoration

04/12/23Carnegie Performing Arts Center,

East Chicago Indiana1

East Chicago Harbor Carnegie East Chicago Harbor Carnegie Library RestorationLibrary Restoration

VRA Architects, Inc.1018 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068

James D. Smith, AIAPrincipal/Project Architect

Carnegie Performing Arts Center, East Chicago Indiana

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Andrew Carnegie’s Gift Andrew Carnegie’s Gift

Andrew Carnegie funded 2,509 libraries between 1883 and 1929

165 were built in Indiana, more than any other state.

East Chicago was the only city in Indiana granted two buildings

Half of the buildings still serve as libraries.

Of the remainder, half serve another use. Sadly the rest have been demolished.

See “Temples of Knowledge: Andrew Carnegies Gift to Indiana” by Alan McPherson for more information


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Andrew Carnegie’s Gift to East ChicagoAndrew Carnegie’s Gift to East Chicago

In 1913, East Chicago applied for and received two building grants.

Both buildings were constructed at the same time.

The Harbor branch was expanded in 1931 and was in continuous operation until the 1970’s. Since then it has remained vacant.


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Post Card images of the original 1913 BranchPost Card images of the original 1913 BranchLooking southeast from Grand Blvd.


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Looking northeast from Grand Blvd.


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Architectural PlansArchitectural Plans

Original architectural drawings are always welcome to a restoration project.

Drawings of the 1913 section of the building were never preserved, but the 1931 addition designed by Karl Norris of East Chicago were kept at the main branch.


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Title SheetTitle Sheet


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Elevations-SectionsElevations-Sections


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Sections-DetailsSections-Details


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Basement PlanBasement Plan


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Interior PhotoInterior Photo

Few photos exist of the original building interior. The following photo, taken in the 1950’s shows the original 1913 main entrance and circulation desk. Note the beamed ceiling and the two fireplaces, which will be restored.


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Interior – ca. 1950Interior – ca. 1950


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Compare the last photo to the following interior view taken last year, showing what thirty years of neglect and exposure to the elements will do to what is still an architectural treasure.


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Interior view– 2009Interior view– 2009


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Interior Restoration:Interior Restoration:

The main book stack area at the far east of the “new” addition has experienced the least amount of damage. The ceiling plaster detail is intact. The shabby appearance is only peeling paint. This portion of the building will be helpful as a model for design of the interior restoration.


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Interior RestorationInterior Restoration

In the 1931 addition, plaster detail cornices from The Decorators Supply Company, in Chicago were used. The company is still in existence and the same designs are available for our restoration work


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Interior RestorationInterior Restoration

Interior detail section from1931 addition drawingsshowing the Decorators Supply Catalog numbers


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Exterior Condition ca. 1963Exterior Condition ca. 1963

Exterior Condition -2007Exterior Condition -2007


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20072007


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Saving the Carnegie - TimelineSaving the Carnegie - Timeline

2001 - Long time East Chicago residents form a not for profit organization to save the library building.

2002 - Architect hired, City government takes interest and helps with finances and City services..

2003-6 - Organization gathers support and determines program for reuse of the building as a performing arts center. Conceptual drawings are prepared. Budget determined for the performing art center is $3,700,000.00. City resources are not sufficient to make significant advances on restoration.

2006 - Building is placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 2007- Professional fund raising makes the dream possible. Bid documents

prepared for the first phase of restoration – New tile roofing. 2008 - Work completed on the roofing phase. Work is underway for phase two –

Interior demolition and restoration of all exterior masonry and windows. 2009 Exterior work to be completed and Interior restoration to be underway

Summer of 2009


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Conceptual RenderingConceptual Rendering


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National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places

Building receives the honor in 2006. A ceremony to dedicate the plaque was held in the fall of 2007


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First Phase of RestorationFirst Phase of Restoration

Bids were taken in late 2007 and work is now completed for the replacement of clay tile roofing. Restoration included replacing the damaged clay tile with matching units, wood decking, new copper flashing and damaged masonry. Masonry work at this stage is only to allow the roofing to be secure. Full restoration of the brick and stone and windows will be done by mid-2009.


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Work in progress


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Contractor setting up for roof restoration


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The roof tile is extensively damaged as is some of the underlying wood deck, however, damage is limited and does not affect the main carrying structure.


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Roof Restoration Startup

Replacement of damaged roof deck

Detail view of tile and wood deck deterioration


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Roof Tile Replacement


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Tile Replacement ProgressApril, 2009

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Interior Demolition Begins

• Selective demolition contract has been completed. All damaged interior materials that cannot be restored are removed. The purpose of this demolition is two fold: we are able to evaluate the underlying building structure for damage as well as prepare the way for the final interior build out which will start the summer of 2009. Photos below show the demolition in progress


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Interior Demolition

We have determined that the existing structural walls and roof framing have no significant damage and will be suitable for the proposed restoration

Phase Three, Exterior Restoration Underway at this time


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All wood windows have been removed and are being restored. The sash was in very good condition and only a few trim items and glazing be replaced. New wood storm windows will be provided to protect the restored windows as well as offer insulation.

Existing sash

Existing 4’x8’ double hung window. Among those now being restored

Basement window opening. Window removed for restoration.

Jamb framing is being restored in place.

Remaining interior trim is to be restored and re-installed . Existing trim to be used as template for missing trim

Brick Cleaning and Restoration


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Brick mortar matching samples

Brick Cleaning in Progress

Masons grinding mortar joints in preparation for tuck pointing

Damaged or missing brick and deteriorated lintels are being replaced.

Foundation Has been excavated for inspection and repair and application of waterproofing.


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Insulation and footing drains have been installed along with the water proofing.

Final Coat of Waterproofing membrane

Existing Foundation Wall Has Been Exposed, Inspected And Repaired As Necessary

Back Filling After All Waterproofing, Repair and Insulation are Complete

Damaged Foundation Wall Has Been repaired.

New Stairs and ADA Ramp Under Construction.


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Northwest Stair Being Removed. New Stair Will Replace the Badly Deteriorated Existing Stair.

Formwork Preparation for New East Exit Stair From Performance Hall

Two Views Of Foundation For New ADA Ramp at West Entrance.

New Stairs and ADA Ramp Under Construction.


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Northwest Stair has been replaced with new concrete stair and matching stone.

New East Exit Stair From Performance Hall and basement nearing completion

Sample of Decorative stair railing. Installation nearing completion

Two Views Of New ADA Ramp at West Entrance nearing completion.

Rebuilding Chimneys.


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South chimney nearing completion. Masonry was taken down and restored from parapet up.

The two west chimneys have been restored from roof line to top. All original detail has been restored.

Overall View


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Overall View of building looking northeast. Windows and storm windows nearing completion. Copper gutters and downspouts nearing completion


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Procedures – Final Phase of RestorationProcedures – Final Phase of Restoration

Conceptual Floor Plans for the Performing Arts Center

The final phase of work includes all new interior partitions, finishes, heating ventilation and plumbing, new lighting and furnishings


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Building Elevation/Section


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New Metal Fence Elevations


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January 2014, East Chicago Harbor Carnegie Library Restoration

Business

Transcript of January 2014, East Chicago Harbor Carnegie Library Restoration