Tower Restoration Project
Edward Bok’s Singing Tower is undergoing the final phase of a four-part restoration project. Rust is corroding the steel beams that support the top of the Tower. The work to preserve this architectural treasure is complex and challenging. As a National Historic Landmark, strict guidelines must be followed according to the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation
About the Singing Tower
Started in 1927 and dedicated on February 1, 1929, the 205-foot Singing Tower was designed by Philadelphia architect Milton Medary. It’s crafted from Florida coquina stone, Georgia marble, brick and steel. Because coquina is a natural sedimentary rock made of ancient seashells, it’s extremely porous. Rust has corroded the steel structure that supports the massive colored tile grilles surrounding the carillon. Created by J.H. Dulles Allen of Enfield Pottery and Tileworks, the eight cast iron panels are 35 feet tall, ten feet wide and about six inches thick. Glazed ceramic tiles are embedded on the front with mortar filling the front and back sides.
Grille Restoration
Work will be done on two of the eight grille faces on the northeast and east sides of the Tower. This pilot restoration project will help determine how work on the other six grilles will be completed in the future. A swinging scaffold has been erected on the outside of the Tower. Inside, workers will remove brick masonry and stone that surrounds the steel frames to see the extent of the deterioration caused by the rust. The steel frame will be repaired or replaced and painted before the brick and stone can be reset. The cast iron grilles will be cleaned and repainted. During this work, the 60 bronze carillon bells and frame will be covered with plastic to protect the mechanisms from dust and debris. Recorded carillon concerts will be heard at 1 and 3 p.m., and the live concert schedule for the winter season will begin as soon as the work is completed. The start of the Moonlight Carillon Concert series will be delayed until February.
Tower Roof Parapet Panel Restoration
Brick masonry will be removed so the corroded columns and beams that support the marble parapet panels can be replaced. The carved marble parapet panels can be seen at the very top of the Tower between the marble heron spires.
Restoration History
In the 1960s, a roof to cover the carillon bells and mechanism was built along with several work areas including a maintenance shop (level four), carillon library (level five) and a recording studio (level six). Repairs also were made to correct coquina stone movement along the 11 horizontal beam levels.
Since the 1990s, there have been four phases of restoration. During Phase I, repointing of all the exterior marble mortar joints from the very top to the base was completed. Repointing is the process of renewing mortar joints. Over time, weathering and decay causes voids in the joints between masonry units (marble) allowing water to enter the joints. This time-consuming project took two summers to complete. Phase II corrected corrosion on the horizontal beams, the lighter colored horizontal lines going up each side of the Tower. Each stone was photographed and measured to cut replacement stones to the same measurements as the original configuration. Stones were removed every few feet from the exterior corners covering the vertical columns. The steel was cleaned, treated and completely filled with a dense grout. During Phase III, an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system to reverse the flow of electrons from the steel, designed to stop corrosion, was installed. Phase IV pilot project is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed in early 2010.
Restoration Team
New York-based Robert Silman Associates Structural Engineers conducted architectural forensic research for more than a year before Structural Preservation Systems (SPS), based in Baltimore with an office in Sarasota, was selected to complete the construction. SPS restoration projects include New York City’s Guggenheim Museum, Miami’s Freedom Tower and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art along with the Cà d’Zan Mansion in Sarasota.
Funding
Repairs will be underwritten by a $350,000 grant from Florida’s Bureau of Historic Preservation that will be matched by private funds. The Division of Historical Resources is the state agency responsible for promoting the historical, archaeological and folk culture resources in Florida.
Help to continue the beauty of Edward Bok’s dream. Consider donating to our Share the Gift Fund!
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