In February 2003, Baltimore experienced the heaviest cumulative snowfall in its recorded history. As a result, the roof over 11 of the 22 Passenger Car Roundhouse bays at the B&O Railroad Museum collapsed entirely, damaging the artifacts below, exposing the other exhibits within to the harsh weather, and leaving the remaining structure vulnerable to further collapse.
The remaining structure needed to be stabilized as quickly as possible. After careful analysis of the structure and possible load conditions, Century implemented a multi-pronged stabilization approach, successfully securing the building against further damage and ensuring the safety of its historic contents.
After careful analysis, it was determined that the existing design was inadequate according to modern standards. To bring it up-to-date and extend the useful life of the entire structure, Century designed a new wood plank roof, king- and queen-post trusses, and steel truss girders that significantly increased the structural capacity without sacrificing the building’s historical architecture.
Renovation of the adjacent Mt. Claire Station and Annex Building was included in the work to further enhance visitors’ experience.
The B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, MD
Project Awards |
2006 Grand Award ACEC/Maryland Engineering Excellence Awards Competition 2005 President’s Award - Preservation Maryland Baltimore Heritage Preservation Awards Mid-Atlantic Construction Project of The Year: Restoration Award Building Congress & Exchange 2005 Craftsmanship Award Building Design and Construction 2005 Merit Award |
The B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, MD
