Structures North Consulting Engineers, Inc.

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Since our incorporation in 1997, Structures North Consulting Engineers, Inc. has grown to become one of the New England Region’s preeminent engineering consulting firms in the field of historic preservation, while growing a steady share of the commercial, institutional and residential markets. Our projects include a wide variety of structures, from new or renovated multi-unit mixed use facilities and private residences, to museum sites and houses of worship that are in need of restoration. Although we are based in Massachusetts, approximately one half of our work is spread throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island and other eastern states.

John M. Wathne, P.E.
President

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Registration: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island

Profile: Mr. Wathne has a wide range of structural analysis and design experience related to historic building restoration and renovation, and considerable bridge experience. He has experience in nearly all types of existing structures with an emphasis on construction built before or during the nineteenth century. He has hands-on experience with masonry restoration and post and beam timber framing and significant inspection, analysis, and design experience with concrete, terra-cotta, brick, stone, timber, and iron and early low carbon steel structures in archaic as well as modern-day applications. He is experienced in the restoration and repair of totally preserved structures as well as the adaptive re-use of partially preserved and abandoned structures.

Mr. Wathne also has rare training and frequent practical experience in macroscopic and microscopic identification of wood species as well as timber investigation to identify defects and causes of biological attack, using visual inspection, microscopy and resistance-drilling.

Mr. Wathne is an expert in the evaluation of historic masonry and the design and specification of mortars for historic structures. He is the prime author of the new ASTM standard for mortar for historic structures' "properties" section, having devised the proposed "standard state" method of comparison for mortars of differing binder constituents on which much of the new ASTM standard will be based.

He is also a pioneer in the development of thermal prestressing for the reinforcement of existing steel structures under load (Modern Steel Construction, Feb. 1996), and has recently completed and presented his research on the subject of historical physical property test data for Natural Cement (April 1, 2005, Rosendale, NY) at the first North American Natural Cement Conference.

Education: 1983 BSCE Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA

Sample Projects:

Trinity College, Hartford, CT- Extensive emergency stabilization of failing stone-fronted dormer gables in three nineteenth century structures. Project finished ahead of schedule and on budget. Granary Burying Ground, Kings Chapel Burying Ground, Boston, MA- Evaluation and restoration of historic grave markers and tombs, and reconstruction of collapsed subsurface brick burial vaults using suspended shields (to protect remains) and historically compatible masonry materials and techniques.

Saint Marie's Church, Manchester, NH- Investigation, analysis and restoration of gothic revival tower masonry following delamination and partial collapse of its external brick wythe. Work included reconstruction of external wythe (as an adapted wept cavity veneer where appropriate), flashing repairs, and pinning and restoration of marble trim. Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, Concord, MA- Structural repairs to historic museum and former Alcott residence funded by Save America's Treasures. Project included extensive timber repairs, chimney and foundation wall underpinning, and suspension of entire rear half of house during construction of new foundation while it remained open as museum.

Pine Street Inn Tower, Boston, MA- Restoration, stabilization and partial reconstruction of 160-foot Tuscan campanile that was hose tower in former Boston Fire Department headquarters. Project included removal of differentially strained, bonded yellow brick veneer and replacement with new matching yellow veneer brick supported outside a new 100-foot tall, 1"-thick steel frame hidden within a wept cavity. Also included was the total reconstruction of the corbelled, machicolated rampart and lantern as an accurate replication of the original, internally reinforced for seismic compliance.

Saint Mary's Church, Newport, RI- Historic masonry restoration of an historic Portland brownstone church which was the site of John F. Kennedy's wedding. Project included excavation and reconstruction of shifted buttresses and projecting tower masonry elements, restoration and lime grout injection of brick and stone "back-up", Cintec pinning, and installation of internal, temperature-compensating galvanized steel post-tensioning frames to counter unresolved horizontal thrusts within flared portion of tower.

Sakonnet Light, Off Little Compton, RI- Inspection and evaluation of historic cast iron off-shore lighthouse. Modern Theater, Boston, MA- Inspection, evaluation, monitoring and emergency structural stabilization of Boston's first movie-house following 20-year abandonment and extensive damage to structural framing and exterior masonry. Initial monitoring inspections of unsafe structure performed via this firm's own camera-rover prior to establishment of stable floor conditions.

Staple Bend Tunnel / Allegheny Portage Railway National Historic Site, Cresson, PA- Project included abutment repairs and restoration of 20" thick sandstone liner of first railway tunnel in the Americas. Traditional pointing and project-specific deep jetting and grouting techniques (developed by our office) were used in a phased manner that prevented shifting of the unshored, gravity-loaded liner during the work, while achieving better than 90% consolidation with a fluidifed formulation of a lime and cement mortar.

Shirley-Eustis Carriage House, Boston, MA- Disassembly of former carriage house on Isabella Stewart Gardner Estate in Brookline and restoration, repair and re-assembly on site of Shirley-Eustis House in Boston using engineered, age-appropriate timber repair and joinery details.

Affiliations: American Society of Testing and Materials, Committee C12.03.3 Association for Preservation Technology Preservation Massachusetts Boston Preservation Alliance Historic Salem Inc. (55 year old arch. pres. society, President '95-'97). American Railway Engineering Association Code Advisory Comm. #12 '95-'97.

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Edward H. Moll II, P.E.
Principal

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Registration: Massachusetts, Maine, Virginia,
Vermont, Missouri

Profile: Mr. Moll has 24 years of experience in structural engineering design that has included commercial, institutional, residential, industrial, and historic preservation work for both public and private structures in a number of states. His wide and varied experience provides for considerable intuition in proposing appropriate structural systems, whether new or remedial, and in diagnosing and providing structural solutions for older building. He has a proven ability to coordinate complex projects including the interaction of the structural components with other disciplines.

Education: 1982 BA Architecture, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
1982 BS Civil Engineering, Lehigh University,
Bethlehem, PA
1997 MS Structural Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

Sample Projects: Station Place, Gloucester, MA- Design of new three story mixed commercial/residential condominium complex, steel framed with precast plank and wood framed residential structure above.

Boston's Hope, Roxbury, MA - Design of seven buildings for urban renewal project, including townhouses and multi-family residential apartments.

SSS Express Car Wash, Virginia Beach, VA- Design of car wash/detailing facility with below-grade service pit using a pressure slab in a high water table area.

Texas Instruments, Attleboro, MA- Capital improvements masonry conditions assessment in 1.2 mil s.f., 21 building industrial manufacturing facility.

First Parish Church, Brunswick, ME- Complete restoration of 1840 National Register Gothic Revival church including restoration of 80 foot steeple.

Marblehead Highlands, Marblehead, MA- Design of new 5-building 66 Unit 4-story wood-framed condominium development.

Salem State Lecture Series, Salem, MA- Rigging design for gymnasium and hockey rink suspended sets for world renown celebrity lectures

Stratham Public Safety Building, Stratham, NH - Design of new steel framed long-span structure with engineered wood truss roof for town police and fire headquarters.

Peabody Institute Library, Danvers, MA- Complete exterior restoration of 1860 National Register neo-classical library, including reconstructed porticos, porches, balconies, and roof balustrade.

Private Residence, Boxford, MA- Design of new engineered lumber 12,000 sf $3.5 mil custom contemporary residence featuring precast concrete balconies, expansive great room, turreted porch, and granite stone veneer exterior.

Private Residence, Swampscott, MA- Structural evaluation after fire of 1900 English Tudor stone masonry and wood frame oceanfront mansion that suffered $1.5 mil damage. House featured multi-gabled 16:12 terra-cotta tile roof.

351 Holt Road, N. Andover, MA- Tenant fit-up and structural modifications to 500,000 s.f. Sweetheart Plastics industrial manufacturing facility.

Addison Proctor House, Gloucester, MA- Conversion of 1860 historic oceanfront fish inspector house to six-unit condominium.

5 Dock Square, Rockport, MA- Reconstruction and addition to 150 y.o. harborside art gallery/residence in tidal and V-2 flood zone.

Sherborn Terrace, Sherborn, MA - Design of new 4-story 32,000 s.f. 36 unit assisted living facility. Utilized 4 x 2 engineered floor trusses, 2 x 6 engineered roof trusses, and panelized wall construction.

Danvers Square Flagpole, Danvers, MA- Survey and structural evaluation of 110 ft ship's mast flagpole. Survey from ladder firetruck, and wind analysis of spars and fittings.

Splash Car Wash, Wilton, CT - Design of car care center, including wash tunnel, lube bays, detail bays, and retail store in historic community. Facility intended to replicate 1800's Richardsonian train shed

Dudley Village, Roxbury, MA - Design of 5-building, 4-story, 50 residential units plus 12,000 s.f. commercial urban renewal project.

Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, S. Easton, MA- Restoration of National Register H.H. Richardson brownstone and granite town hall.

Deertrees Theater, Harrison, ME - Evaluation and restoration of rustic summer theater, including fly gallery and timber-framed walls.

Chocolate Church, Bath, MA - Preservation plan study of 1840's National Register cultural arts center in historic Bath.

Affiliations: Structural Engineers Association of Massachusetts (SEAMass), Secretary
Boston Association of Structural Engineers
American Institute of Timber Construction
American Institute of Steel Construction
American Concrete Institute
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Trustees of Reservations
The Partnership for Sacred Places
New York Landmarks Conservancy
International Concrete Repair Institute
Precast Concrete Institute

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Gregory M. Nowak, E.I.T.
Structural Engineer

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Profile: Mr. Nowak is a structural engineer currently pursuing his Professional Engineer License. He has a broad range of experience in the field of structural engineering ranging from historic building renovation and adaptive re-use to design of new structures. Mr. Nowak possesses sound skills in the assessment, analysis and repair of structural systems and existing building fabric materials, and is proficient at using visual, numerical and computer analysis techniques and modeling analyses. In addition, Mr. Nowak is trained in the designation of wood grade and identification of wood species.

Education: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Degree: BS Civil Engineering, 1999

Sample Projects: Consigli Construction Corporate Headquarters, Milford, MA – Structural design, detailing and construction administration for construction of a new headquarters for the Consigli Construction Company. The design involved the use of nearly all available building materials, including reinforced concrete, masonry, composite and noncomposite structural steel and timber. Most notably this project involved the reuse of original building material from a historic school building including a granite stone façade and timber roof trusses.

First Congregational Church, Bridgton, ME – Structural design of renovation of existing church structure with failing retaining walls, rotting wood basement floors and awkward access between levels. The renovation included a handicap lift, new stairs with improved head-height, new cantilever retaining walls, new slab-on-grade basement floor and a reinforced floor framing system.

Residences At Museum Place, Salem, MA – Structural design and detailing for a new construction portion of the project and construction administration services for the entire project. This adaptive re-use of the former Salem Police Station built in 1913 converted the historic structure into twelve high-end condominium units. These units provide modern amenities while preserving the historic character of the original structure.

Private Residence, Gloucester, MA – Structural design and detailing for the removal of an existing single-story cottage and construction of a new ocean view house just north of Plumb Cove. This open concept residence boasts two stories, each with a deck that overlooks southern New Hampshire and Maine.

Private Residence, Waterford, ME – Structural design and detailing for a two-phase residential project near Bear Pond. The first phase involved the construction of a conventionally framed two-car garage with an 840-square foot second floor apartment. Phase two of this project involved the construction of the 2600-square foot main house. The main house was primarily timber-framed with conventional framing elements integrated into the timber-frame where required as well as a conventionally framed section of the first floor to accommodate a full basement.

St. Theresa’s House, Lynn, MA – completed analysis, design, detailing and construction administration for the adaptive re-use of a former convent that was converted to an assisted living facility.

Affiliations: Structural Engineers Association of Massachusetts (SEAMass)
Trustees of Reservations

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Elizabeth Acly (previously Nathan), P.E.
Associate

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Registration: Massachusetts

Profile: Ms. Acly has a wide array of experience in the field of structural engineering ranging from historic building renovation to adaptive re-use and renovation of existing buildings to analysis and design of new structures.

Ms. Acly has significant experience in the analysis of structures, both new and existing, and is proficient in utilizing visual, numerical and computer analysis techniques and modeling analyses. She is also practiced in designing and detailing in most modern and historic building materials.

In the field of historic restoration, Ms. Acly is skilled in the assessment, analysis and repair of structural systems and existing building fabric materials such as steel, brick, stone, timber, concrete and terra-cotta. In addition, Ms. Acly is trained in the macroscopic and microscopic identification of wood species.

Education: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Degree: Master of Science in Structural Engineering, August 1999
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, May 1998
University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England
1996/1997: Participated in Civil Engineering Exchange Program

Sample Projects: Old South Presbyterian Church, Newburyport, MA – performed the investigation and design of 19th century church timber framed tower repair and restoration.

Church of the Covenant, Boston, MA- Restoration of existing exterior masonry, including structural reinforcement of flying buttresses and pinnacles.

Thames Street Landing, Bristol, RI – completed analysis, design, detailing and construction administration for the adaptive re-use of an archaic “triangle trade” ocean-front mass-masonry stone “warehouse” including a modern addition to the building.

Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, Charlestown, MA – provided full structural services for the complete renovation of the Club.

MBTA Greenbush Line, South Shore, MA – served as a member of the Project Conservator team independently reviewing the design of the commuter rail project for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Section 106 guidelines.

John Dewey Academy, Great Barrington, MA – completed the analysis, design and construction administration for permanent stabilization, re-support and material restoration of the dolomitic limestone portico and piazza of an historic “castle” in the Berkshires.

Modern Theater, Boston, MA – participated in the emergency stabilization, including analysis and design, of the floors and façade of the first moving picture theater in the city.

Pine Street Inn Tower, Boston, MA – performed construction administration for the partial reconstruction phase of the restoration of the 160-ft Tuscan campanile which originally served as the hose tower for the Boston Fire Department.

Dorchester North and Eliot Burying Grounds, Dorchester and Roxbury, MA – completed the inventory and design for structural stabilization and conservation of grave markers.

St. Andrew’s Road, Cambridge, England - worked on the detailed structural design phase and provided guidance during construction phase of multi-million dollar reinforced concrete and steel frame commercial building.

Affiliations: Chi Epsilon, Civil Engineering Honor Society
Vernacular Architecture Forum
American Concrete Institute
Association for Preservation Technology International, Board Member, Northeast Region

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Jefferey J. Reese, P.E.
Structural Engineer

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Registration: Massachusetts, Connecticut

Profile: Mr. Reese has over eight years of experience in structural engineering. Specializing in wood-frame construction and both single-family and multi-family residential projects, he also has experience that includes new and existing commercial, retail, and educational projects constructed of a variety of materials. Mr. Reese is proficient in the use of structural software used for modeling large or complicated structural systems, and has a strong knowledge of spreadsheet design and Visual Basic for Applications, which he has used to create a program making the complicated formulas of wood connection design simple to use.

Education: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Degree: BS Civil Engineering, 1998

Sample Projects: Two Edgewater Drive, Norwood, MA – selective analysis of the existing steel and concrete framed structure, and extensive design, detailing, and construction administration for strengthening the structure for the conversion of a 1980’s office building into new laboratory space for a pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, including new rooftop mechanical units.

Mount Auburn Cemetery Footbridge, Cambridge, MA –analysis of an existing concrete framed footbridge and roof over crypts for determining whether the structures could support additional paving materials and small cemetery maintenance and construction vehicles.

Ebsco Retaining Walls, Ipswich, MA – design of two types of walls for approximately 340 lineal feet of new site retaining walls for a new surface parking lot for a publishing company.

Condominiums at 974-984 Main St., Wakefield, MA – complete analysis, design, and detailing for a new three-story condominium building with wood framed upper floors and a steel and concrete framed 1st floor over parking.

Greenwich Childcare, Greenwich, CT – complete analysis, design, detailing and construction administration for the renovation of an existing wood-framed convent into a childcare facility.

1131 Sasco Hill Road Residence, Fairfield, CT – complete analysis, design, detailing and construction administration for a new residence with approximately 17,900 square feet of habitable space. So that multiple floors could be framed simultaneously, the entire skeleton of the structure was framed of structural steel, and wood joists were in-filled between steel beams.

274 Pine Creek Avenue Residence, Fairfield, CT – complete analysis, design, detailing and construction administration for a new modern-style residence in a coastal flood “A” zone with deep timber pile and grade beam foundations. Building irregularities such as the long roof cantilevers prohibited use of the residential building code, and the coastal location prompted the use of high wind loads for design. The entire front and rear elevations of the long, narrow residence were windows that wrapped around the sides of the house, and the open-space floor plans did not allow for the use of interior shear walls, so steel moment frames were used to resist wind loads. Steel plates sandwiched between wood members were used as columns to accommodate thin window mullions.

Affiliations: American Society of Civil Engineers

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Stephanie Moomey, E.I.T
Preservation Engineer

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Ryan Lezak, P.E.

Structural Engineer

rlezak@structures-north.com

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Mimi Aoun
CFO

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Steven Beard
CAD Designer

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Penny Norris
CAD Designer

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Stacia Cooper

Office Support

scooper@structures-north.com

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Lisa Arnold

Administrative Assistant

larnold@structures-north.com

860.236.6817

Volunteerism and Advocacy

Structures North believes in good citizenship. On any given year, between ten and fifteen percent of our profits are allocated to preservation advocacy, volunteer efforts and technical committee involvement, or are deferred through voluntary rate discounts. We are one of the only Structural Engineering Consulting firms to offer a standard discount in upper Professional Engineering fees to 501C3 non-profit organizations.

In 2006, we had two volunteers in Coastal Mississippi on behalf of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and one volunteer in New Orleans on behalf of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, each performing a week of Hurricane Katrina technical relief.

We are also actively involved in the Structural Engineers Association of Massachusetts (Ed Moll, President), the Association for Preservation Technology International (Beth Acly, board member of the northeast region), and the American Society of Testing and Materials' Task Group C12.03.03 (John Wathne, Chair) tasked with developing ASTM C1713, the newly released "Standard Specification for Mortar for the Repair of Historic Masonry".

Architects & Consultants

Alexander Coogan Architect
Amsler Woodhouse Maclean Architects
Architectural Heritage Foundation
Barba & Wheelock Architects
Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype
Beacon Architectural Associates
Berner Architects
Brad Bellows Architects
Carr, Lynch & Sandell

Building & Monument Conservation
Centrepoint Architects
David Hart Enterprises
Denis Boucher
Dimella Shaffer Associates
Douglas Hopper
Durkee Brown Viveiros & Werenfels Architects
Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architects & Engineers
Epsilon Associates, Inc
Finegold Alexander & Associates
Fixler Halpern Architects
Frederic C. Detwiller
Gary Wolf Architects

Goody, Clancy & Associates
Gorman Richardson Architects

Historic Preservation & Design
Icon Architects
John Rockwell

John Salem, Architect
Landworks Studio
Loheed Design Partnership
Margolis & Fishman
Margolis, Inc.
Marguiles & Associates
McGinley Kalsow & Associates
Menders, Torrey & Spencer
Miller Boehm Architects

Mills Whitaker Architects
MLA Architecture & Design

Neshamkin French
Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc.
New England Landmarks
Pierce Architects
Pitman & Wardley Architects
Preservation Technology Associates
Redhawk Studios
Rykerson Architecture

S. Magnuson & Associates
SEA Consultants, Inc.
Sebesta Blomberg

Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbot
Smith Edwards Architects
Solomon & Bauer Architects
Steffian Bradley Associates

Stephen C. Watt, Architect

Symmes Maini & Mckee Associates
The Architectural Team
The Classic Group, Inc.
The Narrow Gate
TreeHouse Design
William Hall Architects
William A. Yuhas, Architect
Winter Street Architects

Public Agencies

Boston Redevelopment Authority
City of Boston Boston Parks & Recreation Department
City Of Lynn, MA
City of Portland, ME
City of Salem, MA
Maine Department of Conservation & Recreation

Massachusetts Division of Conservation
Nantucket Historic District Commission
National Park Service

Town Of Tisbury, MA

Institutional

Boston College
Catholic Archdiocese of Boston,
Catholic Diocese of Manchester, NH
Channing Memorial Church, Newport, RI
Congregacion Leon de Juda
First Baptist Church, Malden, MA
First Parish, Wayland, MA
FTCC Scituate, MA
Handicraft Club

Harvard Divinity School
Harvard University
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Lynn Museum

Methuen Memorial Music Hall
Middlesex Community College
Mount Auburn Cemetery
New England Conservatory of Music
Northfield Mount Hermon Academy
Pine Street Inn
Portland Museum of Art

Salem Harbor Community Development Corporation

Salem State College
Trinity College
Tenacre School
United Teen Educational Center
University of New Hampshire

Wellesley College

Commercial

Consigli Construction
Copley Investments
Lundgren Management
Nuestra Communidad Development
Port Properties Services
Thayer & Associates

Preservation Advocacy

Eastham Historical Society
Friends of the Old Burying Ground, Brookline

Friends of the Saint Lawrence Church

Friends of the Sakonnet Lighthouse
Historic Boston, Inc
Historic New England / SPNEA
Historic Salem, Inc.

Lexington Historical Society
Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association
Lynnfield Historical Society

Preservation Massachusetts