Dunnage on 135 Year Old Landmark
Project Overview:
The project involved the design and installation of a steel dunnage system atop a landmarked multi-family building to support new HVAC equipment. Given the building’s age and lack of existing structural documentation, extensive field investigation and analysis were required to understand the existing conditions. The resulting design carefully integrates new structural elements with a complex mix of existing wood, steel, cast iron, and masonry systems, enabling modern mechanical upgrades while respecting the constraints of a historic, occupied structure.
Project Highlights:
- Integrated steel dunnage structure with existing parapet walls and interior columns to support new rooftop loads
- Engineered load paths within a complex, undocumented structure composed of wood, steel, cast iron, and masonry
- Overcame limited probing conditions and developed structural design based on field investigation and analysis
- Resolved tight site and hoisting constraints while maintaining full building occupancy during construction
- Delivered full-service structural engineering, including design, DOB filing, and construction phase support
Project Experience:
This project demonstrates expertise in delivering complex structural interventions within a landmarked, historically significant building. The work required advanced engineering analysis and a disciplined approach to integrating new structural systems within an existing, undocumented framework. Close coordination between the engineering team, contractor, and stakeholders ensured that the design was both technically sound and sensitive to the building’s existing conditions.
The scope centered on the design and implementation of a steel dunnage system to support new rooftop loading. Extensive field investigation and structural modeling were performed to understand a highly variable system composed of wood, steel, cast iron, and masonry. The final design established clear load paths to existing parapet walls and interior columns, avoiding overstress of the original building framing. The project was executed under tight site constraints and within an occupied building, with continuous involvement through design, DOB filing, and construction to ensure accurate and successful implementation.
Project Overcome:
The project resulted in a practical structural solution that allowed new rooftop loads to be introduced without compromising the existing building. The design worked within the limitations of a landmarked structure with no original drawings, resolving a complex load path and tying new steel into a mixed system of wood, steel, cast iron, and masonry.
The final installation provides a stable, constructible support system that aligns with existing parapet walls and interior columns, allowing the building to accommodate new equipment while maintaining its structural integrity.
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