Weather damaging Independence Hall tower
Friday, April 10th, 2009
By: Tom MacDonald
tmacdonald@whyy.org
The tower at Independence Hall is deteriorating because of the elements and it's unique construction. Now, a project is underway to repair the historic building.
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The siding on the Independence Hall Tower has iron rods placed through wood siding.
Charles Tonetti is the chief historical architect of the park. He says the construction techniques have resulted in exposure to rain, and that the tower needs to be repaired.
Tonetti: The real problem is the interaction of the rust with the wood fibers causing a breakdown of the cladding.
How to do the repairs was the subject of a Philadelphia Historical Commission meeting. John Mattioni is a member of the commission. He says he was suprised when presented with the condition of the structure.
Mattioni: It is rather shocking to see one of the most important historic buildings in the country in such shabby repair.
The Historical Commission is establishing a sub-committee to oversee the restoration, which should begin in 2011 and cost about 4 million dollars.