Additions

Skowhegan Free Public Library

AdditionsContextual DesignHistoric Preservation

November 28, 2022 by

The Skowhegan Free Public Library, a National Register-listed property, was constructed in 1887. Gardiner, Maine architect Edwin E. Lewis designed the Queen Anne style building overlooking the Kennebec River. The interior consists of large reading and reference rooms and a two-story stack space in the rear. The second floor of the main section houses the children’s library. The building remains fundamentally as it was originally constructed: original interior casework, shelving, furnishings and decorative fireplace mantels remain and are significant features of the historic building.

The Library Renovation Committee and Trustees began working with B+W in 2010 to address universal (ADA) accessibility, code improvements, and create more usable “found” space within the footprint of the existing building. B+W solved this difficult accessibility problem principally through the construction of a 5-stop elevator addition which will convey patrons to the multiple building levels. Life safety improvements included a new egress stair addition and an interior stair to connect the second floor of the main section to the stack wing. Prior to this work there was no contiguous access. The project also included renovation of the currently unused basement for the library program expansion; the use of the basement required installation of a building-wide fire-suppression sprinkler system, which was sensitively integrated into the historic structure.

The overall cost projection for the full build-out was about $800,000 in 2011 dollars, a large sum for a small town library. Barba + Wheelock developed detailed construction plans so that the project was totally integrated. B+W’s strategic advice resulted in the Trustees selecting a local construction manager who works to phase the work as funding becomes available. B+W also worked to identify funding sources for the Trustees.

Construction commenced in Fall 2011. The phases undertaken to date include:

Underground utility, waterproofing and drainage upgrades to improve the basement conditions (Completed)
Egress stair addition and basement fit-out (Completed)
Sprinkler system throughout and review with MHPC (Completed)
Stack wing rehabilitation and internal stair (Completed)
Elevator addition (Beginning July 2016)

Bucknam Tavern / Forsyth-Scangas Residence

AdditionsContextual DesignHistoric Preservation

October 23, 2023 by

The much-awaited restoration of the Bucknam Tavern was complete after three years of construction. Archaeological work dated the structure to 1740 – 1760, one of Falmouth’s earliest remaining houses. The house has been in the same family since the early 1900’s when a Danish Wheelwright brought his young family to the U.S. to seek a better opportunity in America.

The great-granddaughter of the original owner and her husband consulted Barba + Wheelock Architecture, who compared restoration costs to new construction and were pleased to learn that restoration would be less costly and to preserve not only the beloved homestead, but cherished memories from visits with her grandparents over many years. The Owner opted to not only restore the main house, but to reconstruct the 1-1/2 story El, a feature that had been present in their memory, with a surviving granite foundation.

B+W brought in Restoration Resources of Alna, Maine who contributed a wealth of experience in house restoration, carpentry and craftsmanship.

Together the team worked with the Owners throughout the Covid pandemic to bring the project to fruition.

The sight of this once graying and decaying structure on Middle Road, now brightly re-splendid, has generated much enthusiasm amongst old house lovers. Now fully restored and newly insulated, operating with all new systems, this historic homestead is poised to survive well into the future. It stands as a symbol of resurgence and celebrates both the power of a family’s perseverance and memory and is fully embraced by the community for its longstanding place in Falmouth history.

This project received a Greater Portland Landmarks Rehabilitation Project Preservation Award in 2023.

Cathedral Church of St. Luke

AdditionsContextual DesignHistoric Preservation

November 28, 2022 by

The additions to this historic Gothic Revival structure required careful consideration of materials and design details. The color and texture of the brick and mortar were painstakingly matched and the material for the decorative window surrounds, tinted precast concrete, was selected as an economical material that would relate well to the existing Nova Scotia sandstone on the original building. New mechanical, electrical and structural systems, as well as a fire suppression system, were carefully integrated into the existing structures and new additions. Two new fire stairs with exits directly to the outside provided continued use of the second story assembly space, which was previously not up to code.

Nancy Barba designed and managed the extensive new construction following the major parish house fire at St. Luke’s in 1986. Her innovative solutions to challenging handicap accessibility issues were inspired… Her real gifts are in sensitive adaptation for historic buildings… Both Nancy and Cynthia have keen liturgical sensitivity which is so important in adapting liturgical space.

– Stephen W. Foote, Retired Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral

In the course of design, we discovered the parish hall to have an immense tin ceiling, which was readily restorable. Additions within the hall accommodated chair storage, a library, a kitchenette for coffee hour service and the fire stairs. These interior “additions” were designed with lower ceiling/roof structures to allow the ceiling to remain uninterrupted.

In its recognition for the project with an honor award, Greater Portland Landmarks noted, “At a time when many churches are struggling with decisions regarding preservation, St. Luke’s has demonstrated leadership in recognizing the value of their historic buildings and the critical importance of ongoing and sensitive maintenance. Not only has outstanding restoration work been undertaken on the Cathedral and Codman Chapel, recent renovations to the fire-damaged Cathedral Hall have been carefully considered. The design of the Hall’s new addition is both contemporary and respectful of its historic context…”

Mechanics Hall

AdditionsCondition AssessmentHistoric PreservationHistoric Structures ReportMaster Planning

November 23, 2022 by

The Maine Charitable Mechanic Association (MCMA) formed in 1815 as a fellowship for Portland’s blacksmiths, coopers, carpenters, draftsmen, architects and more and in 1857 constructed Mechanics’ Hall on Congress Street. The building was designed by T.J. Sparrow, Esq. in the Italianate style with a rusticated granite façade, stores at the street level, a library, classrooms, and a dining hall. The building was used intensively by the City and State during the Civil War, housing soldiers departing and returning from battle. In 1890 a John Calvin Stevens designed ballroom was added as a third level.

Barba + Wheelock was hired by the organization to prepare a Historic Structure Report and master plan funded by a matching grant from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission. The purpose of the report is to gather historical information, document existing conditions, and identify appropriate recommendations and costs for full rehabilitation of this highly significant property for the City of Portland and the State of Maine.

For Mechanics’ Hall, their (B+W) engineering and architecture team worked with the Construction Manager to develop a practical approach to replacing and restoring the massive roof and clerestory monitor.

I highly recommend the architects and engineers at Barba + Wheelock as one of the few A/E firms that can guide historic properties, additions, and restorations with such excellence and aplomb.

– Paul Stevens, Trustee and Building Committee Chair

The building is currently not handicap accessible and its second means of egress is an exterior fire escape. The master plan design calls for a new stair/elevator tower addition in the alley to the rear of the building. A new accessible entry is to be added along Casco Street, leading to a new first floor corridor linking the new entry to an elevator lobby, the two first floor stores and to the existing front entry. This design provides an added benefit of connecting to the fourth floor timber framed attic without penetrating the roof of the existing building and allowing for public use of this spectacular space. It also greatly improves egress capacity for assembly use.

The MCMA intends to use the report to spearhead a fundraising effort for the full rehabilitation. Bringing the building up to modern standards will support its mission of providing the creative maker community with a place to gather and exchange ideas and practical knowledge.

Since completion of the HSR, B+W has undertaken numerous projects for Mechanics’ Hall, including:

Roof repair and replacement.
Stair addition designs – multiple options were explored including off-site steel fabrication to allow for a low cost solution that could be craned in, and then covered with simple covering, averting foundation issues and tight working conditions.
Creating ADA access from Casco Street by changing a window opening into a door, and review with Portland Historic Preservation Commission.
Code analysis for floor separation between uses, and negotiation with SFM and CEO to increase egress safety while retaining the majority of historic character of the entrance stair hall.
Simple kitchen design for potluck and some catering with a review of new openings to the Ballroom with MHPC.
National Register reclassification.

Maine Maritime Museum

AdditionsContextual DesignMaster Planning

November 23, 2022 by

Because of the highly sensitive preservation needs of the historic Fresnel Lens, the addition is a “black box” theater. The addition is sited to be embedded in a developed courtyard inside the MMM complex.

The building, in essence, is designed around the exhibit and creates an immersion experience for the public. While there are many lens displays in various institutions throughout the U.S., this is the first gallery of its type known where the lens is celebrated, interpreted, and set in an exhibit that simulates the visitor experience of standing on the lantern tower deck. Sound, sights, smells, and tactile references are all part of the design. The curator and architects worked closely together to create this experience with a parabolic screen as a key element of the design.

Not only designed around the exhibit, the addition fits securely within the tight parameters of the existing building and is clad in durable slate siding and copper roofing.

Simply put, if you have imagined what it might be like to experience serene and stormy scenes from atop a lighthouse – all the while basking in the warm glow of a breathtaking Fresnel lens, then the Maine Maritime Museum’s Into the Lantern exhibit is for YOU!

The recreated majesty of Cape Elizabeth’s lantern is literally stunning. This one-of-a-kind experience will astound the visitor with its exquisite beauty, detail and ability to transport admirers back in time when lighthouse keepers kept a vigilant eye seaward as they helped protect the mariner from the perils of the sea. If you desire one lighthouse experience that will prove to be both amazing and memorable, then Into the Lantern is a must-see!
– Bob Trapani, Executive Director, American Lighthouse Foundation

Merrill Memorial Library

AdditionsContextual DesignHistoric PreservationMaster Planning

October 20, 2022 by

Merrill Memorial Library, originally constructed to A.W. Longfellow, Jr.’s plans in 1904; together with its 1987-88 addition comprise 16,000 sf on three floors. The Yarmouth Historical Society’s move from their long-time location on the third floor, opened up the Library’s options for internal expansion, leading to the need for a master plan involving the entire library. Barba + Wheelock began work with the Trustees and Renovation Committee in 2011, developing a phased master plan, fund raising renderings and cost estimates.

The project includes restoration and rehabilitation of the third floor as meeting space for 50+ people, retaining much of the “time capsule” historical feel and details. Other aspects include code improvements to better meet the Americans with Disability Act and State fire codes. The project has evolved to include a compatible new entry addition, both a welcoming gesture, much needed gathering space, as well as improvement upon safer public and staff access in all weather conditions.

The community has embraced the lecture hall on the third floor as a coveted space for presentations, films and a variety of group meetings. The new entry is another much appreciated feature that provides a casual gathering space, and as a result, contributes to the continued vibrancy in use of an iconic historic building.

The renovation gave the Library a heightened visibility within the community and in turn gave the community an increased sense of ownership. Combined with the deliberate eye to preservation of the 1904 finishes, there is a true feeling of community pride in the building.
–Heidi Grimm, Library Director

The library reopened in Fall 2014 with a project cost of $2.5 Million.

Additions

This project received a Greater Portland Landmarks Rehabilitation Project Preservation Award in 2023.

In 2016, both Maine Preservation and Greater Portland Landmarks honored the project with preservation honor awards.

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