Rehabilitation of Historic Peirce MillHistoric
Rehabilitation of Historic Peirce Mill
Project Details
Location
Washington, DC
Description
TMG performed extensive renovations at the historic Peirce Mill Complex located within Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. Scope of work included furnishing and installing new concrete footer piers to take a greater live load, and repairs to the timber structural support system, stone walls, plank floors and windows. More specifically, masonry work was done to include re-pointing of the original stone walls with historically accurate and compatible mortar, along with the construction of a new headrace (the watercourse feeding water to the mill’s waterwheel) with matching stone veneer. The new headrace was constructed in order to commence operation of the restored milling apparatus.
TMG’s team demolished the c. 1970s restoration race and installed a new stone faced concrete race, one which uses a re-circulating water system comprised of two 8” cog pumps that push the water past a new mill wheel to bring life back to the mill’s interior grain equipment. Woodwork included the reproduction of a heavy plank wood door, installation of heavy wood timber framing, and repairs to existing wood framing members through the use of epoxy patching materials.
Exterior work included repaving, concrete sidewalks and flood control measures such as grading, installing waterproof door/window closures, drains and pumps. Other civil work included building a new water race with automatically operating pumps to allow the long-defunct mill to become operational again. The civil team also installed 300+ feet of 8” DIP fire line, performing a wet tap into a water main in Tilden Street. This work required an overnight closure of Tilden Street, rerouting traffic around the complex via flaggers and signage while the crew saw cut and excavated the pavement, isolated the water main, installed piping, and tied into the live water main to supply the fire hydrant and the fire suppression system for the Peirce Mill building. In addition, TMG installed the fire hydrant at Tilden Street, as well as the FDC connection, vault, and associated fire suppression equipment for the building. TMG also performed chlorination and line testing. The water system work was closely supervised by officials from DC Water, DC Public Works and various inspectors. TMG developed a Traffic Plan and Quality Control Plan for all work and obtained all required permits, including Environment and Safety, Land Use, Water Connection and Traffic Control. All work was completed without compromising the historic integrity of either the building or its surrounding landscape.
Modifications have brought the building and grounds into compliance with ADA guidelines, and mechanical and electrical systems have been brought up to current codes. Additionally, new communication, fire suppression, fire alarm and security systems have been installed, and hazardous materials properly removed. TMG also constructed a comprehensive stormwater management system, including the installation of all the piping and the creation of stormwater management ponds to accommodate additional parking with a bus loop. The project team followed Best Practice storm drainage and water quality measures.