Humanities Project

Humanities Project

In the spring of 2009, the College began a $2.3 million restoration project involving the entire exterior of the Humanities Center. We expect to finish the project this fall (2009), with window replacements and other very noisy/dirty work completed before classes begin in late August.

Although detailed planning began in earnest last year, this project has been under discussion for more than a decade and the College has been setting aside money for the project since 2006.

John Milner Architects of Chadds Ford, a firm specializing in historical restoration work, is the designer for the project. Arthur Funk & Sons of Lebanon will serve as the general contractor. More details about the scope of the project can be found below.

Exterior Masonry Walls

  • Replace existing windows with new window units (aluminum clad) and trim.
  • Address brick, terra-cotta and stone masonry walls, including resetting, repairing and replacing masonry units, re-pointing and providing new masonry coatings in some instances. Repair or replace metal flashing associated with these masonry wall elements, where appropriate.
  • Dismantle and rebuild lintels over windows, including new structural steel support.

Roof Replacement

  • Replace roofing and metal flashing. This includes replacing the low slope roof areas with a modified bitumen roof system and the steep-slope center section with a standing seam metal roof system.
  • Remove the existing skylights at the steep-slope center section and provide a new roof over these areas.
  • Replace the rainwater conduction systems on the building including scuppers, leader boxes and downspouts. Replace the ice-melting system at the scuppers.
  • Replace roof sheathing that is deteriorated and should be addressed in conjunction with the roof project.
  • Repair and repaint the existing metal cupola.
  • Repair or replace miscellaneous brick, terra-cotta and stone masonry elements that extend above the surface of the roofing as well as the associated metal flashing, where appropriate. These items include chimneys, copings, turrets and parapet walls.
  • Remove unused elements, such as antennae posts, where appropriate.
  • Provide new bird deterrent system.
  • Remove, salvage and reinstall rooftop equipment.