WiRE Webinar Series: Michigan Central Station Guastavino Vault Restoration

Webinar Title: Michigan Central Station Guastavino Vault Restoration
Presenters: Angela D. Wyrembelski, AIA, APT RP; Beth Yorke, AIA; Margaret Cowie, PE; Stephanie Hoagland, FAIC, APT RP
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. CT

Women in ICRI is proud to work with Women in Restoration and Engineering (WiRE) to promote this upcoming webinar.

This webinar explores the history and restoration of Guastavino vaults, a specialized fireproof masonry system used to create the iconic, soaring ceilings of Michigan Central Station. Experts from the design and construction teams will detail the structural analysis and material testing required to evaluate these complex, thin-tile domes. The presentation concludes with a look at the unique procurement and coordination strategies used to assemble a specialized masonry team for this monumental rehabilitation project.

Presenter Bios
Angela D. Wyrembelski, AIA, APT RP
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.

Beth Yorke, AIA
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.

Margaret Cowie, PE
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 Hoagland, FAIC, APT RP
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.

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View the full webinar series here.