CHICAGO, IL – Engineers from Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) were on site at the Shrine inspecting and numbering the limestone pieces that were removed right after the fire. These pieces will go back on the building like larger puzzle pieces. The pieces were removed right after the fire due to the unsafe structure underneath the southwest corner of the building. Masonry work this Fall has been building back this corner and the stone will be put back into place.
Inspecting and numbering the limestone pieces
Limestone will go back on the building like larger puzzle pieces
CHICAGO, IL – Canon Talarico visited the fabrication shop to see the progress of the steel connections and also to provide a blessing! The existing steel trusses and purlins were damaged during the heat of the fire and cannot hold the strength needed for the new roof. The labor intensive process of shop drawing review has led to the fabrication of the steel trusses. The fabrication shop has labeled each piece and with the use of the drawings will connect the pieces into what will become the trusses.
We all look forward to the erection of the new trusses in December!!
Blessing of steel
Blessings at the fabrication shop
Steel connections for trusses
Each piece is labeled and with the use of the drawings, it’ll make connecting the pieces to become trusses easier
CHICAGO, IL – Preparation work continues at the Shrine, prepping the bundling for the installation of the steel.
Update of work that was done in October 2017:
● Bond Beam work has been completed at the Altar and North and South Transept areas
● The Pediment wall at the far east side of the building over the Altar have been prepped for tuckpointing
●Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, SGH, has been reengaged to provide guidance on the tuckpointing and stone weatherproofing at the pediment walls at the Altar
● Request for Proposal for HVAC Performance specification has been sent out
● ComEd Energy Efficiency Group has been engaged and may be a part of Phase II to help with providing the most efficient and energy conscious systems for the church
CHICAGO, IL – This week work continues at the Shrine. The steel in the Southwest corner of the building, opposite the bell tower, is steel that is to remain. Prior to the roof replacement the steel is prepped and primed with a protective coat of paint. This area is accessed by scaffolding that is built from the ground up on the inside of the southwest corner of the building.
Steel work in the Southwest corner
Steel being prepped and primed with a protective coat of paint
Steel being primed with a protective coat of paint