During the early 19th century, Julius Friedlander, a young teacher of children who were blind or had serious visual impairments, came to Philadelphia from Germany determined to establish a school. In March 1832, Friedlander realized his dream and opened The Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind. Friedlander died six years later, but the school already was well-established and known for producing the first embossed book in the U.S.
In 1946, the school was renamed the Overbrook School for the Blind and continues its mission to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for people with visual impairments and other challenges so they can experience active, fulfilling lives. During the past 60 years, the school has expanded and currently includes a main building with classrooms, offices, an auditorium, a library and a touch-and-learn center. Two separate buildings house programs for preschool and elementary-age children.
In 2012, the main building began experiencing leaks. The source of the leaks was traced to the main cupola's roof area, and it was determined that area needed to be replaced. After attempts by others to fix the leaks, Russell Roofing Co. Inc., Oreland, Pa., was selected as the roofing contractor to perform the work.
"Russell Roofing was chosen to complete the work because of its reputation in our area among similar institutions for fine work and attention to detail," says Joe Van Bernum, chief financial officer for Overbook School for the Blind.
Unique architecture
The main campus building is a rare and exceptional example of Spanish Renaissance architecture on the East Coast. So impressed by architect Walter Cope's design, the U.S. government invited the school and Cope to present his plans at the Exposition Universelle held in Paris in 1900.
The striking buildings in the complex are best viewed from the cloister courtyard where the red roofing tiles can be seen descending to protect arcaded cloisters. The use of stucco and strong colors provide brilliant contrasts to the area. The semicircular arches are repeated in windows, doorways and the cloister arcade.
The main building consists of mirrored cloisters with open gardens in the center. The cloisters are connected by a central rotunda and cupola with four smaller cupolas on the building's corners. The roof is covered with Spanish tile manufactured by Ludowici Roof Tile,™ New Lexington, Ohio. To preserve the original historic design, Overbrook School for the Blind embarked on a series of renovations to the cupola and main roof system.
A special discovery
The first phase of work performed by Russell Roofing was restoring the main cupola, which was constructed in 1898. The 1,500-pound, 15-foot-tall by 5-foot-wide cupola was removed by crane and transported to Russell Roofing's off-site shop where it was reconstructed with new 20-ounce copper and reinforced with lumber where needed.
During the cupola's restoration, Russell Roofing discovered a time capsule enveloped in the cupola's ceiling. The capsule contained original documents from 1898, including time cards of workers who performed the cupola installation. The century-old time capsule and some of the template pieces now are on display in the school's museum.
To keep the tradition alive, Russell Roofing employees and Overbrook School for the Blind students created a new time capsule and installed it in the cupola's ceiling for future a generation to discover.
Spanish tiles
Russell Roofing then began work on the roof system by removing 101 squares of Ludowici Spanish tiles that could not be salvaged for reuse. The tiles were replaced with new Ludowici Spanish tiles, many of which were hand-cut on-site to match the circular roof design. New copper flashings, gutters and downspouts were fabricated and installed, successfully stopping the leaks; new round windows also were installed, and numerous wood repairs were made.
Scaffolding was erected around the building, and workers wore Occupational Safety and Health Administration-compliant harnesses throughout the project's duration. In addition, Russell Roofing kept the job-site area clean and clear for the heavy pedestrian traffic that entered and exited the school daily.
"We are pleased and appreciative of the extra care Russell Roofing showed our students every day," Van Bernum says.
A meritorious end
Russell Roofing began the Overbrook School for the Blind project in May 2012 and finished in September 2012, close to the original schedule as extra time was needed for custom-fabricating the new cupola.
"We are more than satisfied with the initial phase of the project," Van Bernun says. "We were able to complete the project on time and within budget. The workmanship on the reconstruction of the cupola and roof system is excellent."
The school is so satisfied with Russell Roofing's workmanship, it has contracted with the company to complete more renovations. Russell Roofing currently is working on a new phase of project work for the school that includes roof system restoration on the front entrance, adjoining tower areas and auditorium; restoring the cupola on the main building's north corner; and installing new Spanish tiles on the east and west cloisters. Russell Roofing is honored to continue its work of restoring the structures and history of the school.
"The most rewarding part is working for a customer that does so much work with a deserving group of children and students," says Russell Kaller, president of Russell Roofing. "Throughout the project, students came out to the work areas to learn about the work that was taking place on their school."
For its exceptional work on phase one, Russell Roofing received a 2014 Gold Circle Awards honorable mention in the Outstanding Workmanship: Steep-slope category and a Grand Juror Award for Outstanding Workmanship by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Chrystine Elle Hanus is Professional Roofing's associate editor and NRCA's director of communications.
Project name: Overbrook School for the Blind
Project location: Philadelphia
Project duration: May 2012-September 2012
Roof system type: Ludowici Spanish tile
Roofing contractor: Russell Roofing Co. Inc., Oreland, Pa.
Product manufacturers: Ludowici Roof Tile,™ New Lexington, Ohio
Gold Circle Awards category: Outstanding Workmanship: Steep-slope
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