AWARD OF MERIT: Historic Category

JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL BROADWAY BUILDINGS EXTERIOR RESTORATION

Baltimore, Maryland

Submitted by Watts Restoration, Inc.

Work on this project included demolition and construction for exterior restoration of the Marburg, Billings and Wilmer Buildings, which comprise the historic front façade of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. The John Shaw Billings Building is the signature of the campus and its dome is featured in the hospital’s logo and graphics.

The buildings are comprised of limestone and brick. Water infiltration and deterioration of the limestone and masonry prompted the repair project.

Site preparation included full scaffolding and shoring of the façade. It was constructed from grade level to the upper dome roof on all elevations.

A major challenge of the project was that the dome was composed of “Lime of Teil” block on the interior and certain portions of this were called to be removed and replaced. Original product to use for replacement was impossible to find due to age of the building which dates back to May 5, 1889.To rectify the problem, the contractor made molds and cast new “Lime of Teil” blocks for the dome from the restoration mortar.

Special features of this project are the reconstruction of the exterior dome finials. Also, the reconstruction of the ornamental limestone was extremely difficult and time consuming. The project included the limestone patches, as well as façade cleaning and finial panel exterior waterproofing.

Owner
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland

Project Engineer/
Designer
Kann & Associates
Baltimore, Maryland

Repair Contractor
Watts Restoration, Inc.
Croydon, Pennsylvania

Material Suppliers/
Manufacturers
Cathedral Stone
Products, Inc.
Hanover, Maryland

Tom Brown, Inc.
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania