[ad_1]
In Columbus, Indiana, more than 300 community members recently gathered at First Christian Church, built in 1942 by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, to celebrate the comprehensive restoration of the building’s iconic bell tower. Indiana-based Louis Joyner Architects (LJA) is the restoration architect.
The repairs totaled more than $3 million and took approximately eight months to implement. Funds were raised to address structural damage and restore the bell tower, composed of a lattice screen carved from Indiana limestone, to its original splendor. Officials said the restoration marks the first comprehensive restoration of Saarinen’s iconic tower in its 81-year history. “We are extremely pleased to be able to restore this tower for future generations,” said Richard McCoy, executive director of the Landmarks Columbus Foundation. “Simply put, Columbus wouldn’t be the same place without this tower.”
Designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, the tower is a free-standing structure 166 feet above the ground and approximately six stories above ground level. It also has a basement and an underground cistern. From the facade, the bell tower is reinforced with block masonry.
The walls are made entirely of brick and are thicker at the bottom than at the top (29 inches vs. 17 inches respectively), similar to Chicago’s Monadnock Tower. The floor is made of concrete with steel angle supports. One of the alternatives involves replacing the original infilled precast concrete grating with plastic panels.
Tower work first began in 2014 at the request of church trustees, when LJA, LJ Engineering and The Engineering Collaborative (TEC) prepared condition reports for the entire First Christian Church campus. In 2018, cracks appeared in the tower and the need for repairs became more urgent. A new assessment was developed in 2019, requiring the scope of repair to be divided into four major parts: stabilization and repair of the upper 50 feet of the bell chamber level; reconstruction of the “zipper”; interior repairs; and ventilation and vapor control. Ratio Architects served as LJA’s conservation consultants on this report, along with Arsee Engineers, TEC and FA Wilhelm Construction.
At First Christian Church, the exterior walls are made from Cranbrook Deerskin Compound, a masonry product that was discontinued years ago, which posed unique challenges for the restoration team. The architect ultimately settled on a brick with a similar appearance, similar dimensions and texture.
The planning team includes members of First Christian Church, the Columbus Heritage Foundation and the Landmark Columbus Foundation. The $3 million needed for the restoration was raised from local and out-of-town donors through the Save Our Towers campaign. The Jeffries Family Foundation helps support a nonprofit organization that helps cultural events throughout the Midwest. Other funding sources include a $500,000 grant from Save America’s Treasures; $500,000 from the National Park Service; and $250,000 from the National Sacred Lands Foundation.
[ad_2]
Source link