Eastern State Penitentiary  Philadelphia, PA

Eastern State Penitentiary is a National Historic Landmark.  Designed originally by John Haviland and based on the Philadelphia Experiment, a revolutionary Quaker notion of penitence (hence the term penitentiary), the site remained in operation until the early 1970's.  Construction on the site began in the 1830's with the erection of the walls and Cell Block One.

It is now used simply as a monument to itself and as an interpretive site. The buildings are in varying state of collapse and decay, although progress is being made, however, haltingly, to arrest the progress of the deterioration.

Sam Harris has been actively engaged in the preservation and planning for this important landmark since 1988. Beginning with a Physical Assessment of the entire site which filled six volumes, he has overseen and executed a Stabilization Plan and an Alternative Use Study. More recently he has been the architect and engineer of record for roofing projects at the Administration building, Cell Block One, and currently at the link between Cell Block One and the Rotunda.

The work continues for Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site and Mr. Harris with current studies of the Synagogue, the Chapel, fire evacuation plans, and plaster stabilization studies.  The following project descriptions illustrate the challenges that face a site unique in its size, complexity and stature.

LINK AND CELLBLOCK ONE RENOVATION

S. Harris & Co. provided drawings and construction management for the restoration of the Link 1 roof and the protection of the Cellblock 1 roof. The Link 1 roof and its structure was thoroughly surveyed to determine which members were salvageable and which required replacement. The Link roof was then completed with standing seam copper.  The Cellblock 1 roof was enclosed in a new rubber roof with skylights to protect it until it too can be restored.

LINKS AND ROTUNDA ROOF AND DRAINAGE RENOVATION

S. Harris & Co. was selected out of a number of bidders to perform the most comprehensive restoration project ever undertaken at Eastern State Penitentiary. This project involved the survey, measurement, and evaluation of the roofs and their associated structure on the Rotunda and Links 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11. As part of the roofing project, the evaluation and recommendations for the stone and brick walls of the Rotunda and Links was to be undertaken. A matrix of the various roofing options was created to plan the strategy for getting the most out of the project's $1 million budget.

Of particular concern was the intersection of Links 2, 10, and 11 where the roof was sagging under its own weight, and the weight of a large skylight created areas where water collected and infiltrated the interior. The restoration of the original roof configuration would have resulted in the manifestation of the same problems. S. Harris recommended continuing the roof slopes of Links 10 and 11 to a single ridge rather than the three ridges and multiple slopes of the original. While this new roof may not be historically accurate, it will allow water to shed more quickly and prevent the problems that occurred with the original configuration.

CODE REVIEW AND RAMP DESIGN

S. Harris & Co. was hired to review the code requirements and design appropriate accessibility solutions for the Penitentiary's tour route.  Where possible, S. Harris utilized inclined walks which would not require handrails in order to minimize the visual impact on the prison. Where ramps were necessary due to height or space considerations, they were configured so as to minimize their appearance. Pipe rails were designed which are not only visually less obtrusive but also blend with the industrial nature of the prison.

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING

S. Harris & Co. was asked to review the roof structure of the Industrial building prior to the installation of new sheathing and roofing. S. Harris designed a solution of attaching 1x4 timbers to the tops of the existing rafters and the existing stone wall to provide a new nailing surface for the sheathing.

HARDHAT FREE TOUR SURVEY

In the Penitentiary's quest to increase the enjoyment of their site by visitors, S. Harris and Co. was asked to assess the possibility of performing their tour without hardhats in the 2003 season. S. Harris surveyed the safety of the tour route for those considerations that would prevent such a tour from taking place. Particular areas that were addressed concerned loose plaster on the ceiling and walls and the structure of the existing skylights. The resulting report will also contain recommendations for the remediation of these issues to allow the Penitentiary the ability to provide a safe tour without hardhats.