Search Public Library Masonry Restoration and Expansion
Constructed in 1909, this branch provides the Price Hill Community with literature and a place to gather. A roof collapse instigated comprehensive repairs to the historic structure, and inspired an addition that doubled the facility’s size.
The Price Hill Library is one of the first of nine area libraries built by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. The brick structure was the first branch to receive renovations as part of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library Facility Master Plan. Due to the historic nature of the building and a large masonry scope, there was no better partner for this project than SSRG.
Learn more about SSRG’s experience with historic preservation.
The problem
A roof collapse in 2018 caused the library to close its doors. But in the darkness, they found the light. The team at Fishbeck, Thompson & Huber, Inc. developed a design that created a modern look while honoring the many historic features of the space. Its historic features include:
- Roof with tin deck and slate slopes
- Fleur-de-lis grids over the doors
- Bird head door handles
The SSRG masonry team brought the design to life, preserving and expanding the French Renaissance-style brick and limestone building.
The fix
After creating new door openings in the original structure and filling in some of the existing openings, our team began the addition. The new construction more than doubled the original square footage.
- The new building is 100% masonry construction.
- Wall construction involved 5,600 SF of concrete block
- The exterior required 3,313 SF of brick veneer—2,500 SF of utility brick veneer, and 813 SF of modular brick veneer.
The library officially re-opened in April of 2021 and is a well-loved part of the community.
The project required that the new and restored building elements match the historical elements of the existing building so that the historical nature of the building would not be compromised. The SSRG team worked with us very closely and was able to restore the building beatifically. SSRG experience in Historical Restoration was very evident in their attention to detail and sensitivity to the true nature of the building.
I could write a book of praise. … The men, the company, and the craft they do so well—it was an honor to be a part of observing and learning from them.
A very difficult project for safe removal of 2, 3 and 4 story parts of the building. This required extreme concentration, super aggressive Bobcat demo ace, experienced creativity, heads-down hard workers, there every day, excellent wood framing leadership and crew. Completed on time, all this thru the winter months. Tough job, Done well. Thanks.
