Featured Case Study:
Modern Theater Evaluation / Stabilization
Location: Boston, MA
Client: Historic Boston, Inc. / Boston Redevelopment Authority
Owner: Boston Redevelopment Authority

Project Description: Structures North was originally retained by Historic Boston, Inc., a preservation advocacy group, to investigate the structural condition and potential stabilization strategies for Boston’s first movie house. The historic Modern had been abandoned and left to the weather for nearly 25 years and was slated for demolition by private owners/developers.

Following successful presentation of our findings to the Boston Landmarks Commission, and much effort on the part HBI and the BRA, the demolition was prevented and the Modern deeded over to the BRA.

Structures North then embarked on a 3 day per week, two to three month structural monitoring program using a remote controlled camera rover (necessitated by the extreme condition of the upper floors) while a three-phase structural stabilization scheme was detailed, funded, and implemented.

Following completion of the stabilization, which included a three-dimensional system of dimensional lumber and timber framing combined with tension cables, external stone pinning, and a new roof system, the modern is once again safe to passersby and internally stable.

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