INDEPENDENCE SQUARE GROUP OF BUILDINGS (INDEPENDENCE HALL CONGRESS HALL) CHESTNUT STREET

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1. May 31, 1994

   Alteration review

   Architectural Committee

   Recorded outcomeApproved

   Committee recommendations are not final Commission decisions.

   Recorded conditions

   Approved: (1) replacement of existing HVAC equipment at or proximate to existing locations; (2) general use of existing ductwork with modifications including new registers/returns on Independence Hall 2nd floor using existing in-floor ducts and changes in duct runs at Congress Hall basement; (3) enhancement of supply/return systems on Independence Hall 1st floor per Alternate 2 of 22 April 1994 working drawings; (4) enhancement of supply/return on Independence Hall 2nd floor without changing in-structure ductwork size or location; (5) double walling for all new water-filled pipes and vertical chases above finished spaces; (6) replacement of single air handling unit in Congress Hall attic with new larger unit in new location; (7) replacement of roofs in kind to abate asbestos and install knock-out panel in Congress Hall roof; (8) structural component of proposal as described in previous minutes; (9) installation of wiring for lighting fixtures; (10) cellar window louvers in Independence Hall; (11) contract documents to be submitted for review by sub-committee of Matzkin, Henry, and Finkelman, including basement lighting fixtures. Approved in concept: (1) testing and monitoring updated system in Congress Hall and Independence Hall for three years; Applicant must meet with technical consultants and Committee/Commission staff to better define project; (2) lighting fixtures — final design, placement, and quantity must return to Committee and Commission for approval. No new penetrations in truss wall of Senate Chamber in Congress Hall.

   Prior meeting reference: 27 May 1994 Special Meeting of the Architectural Committee; technical meetings on 30 May 1994 and morning of 31 May 1994; 22 April 1994 working drawings referenced

   Vote tally

   Suzanne Pentz abstained (member of project design team); David Hollenberg abstained (employed by National Park Service)

   Criteria cited

   Preservation and conservation of historic building fabricNew Orleans Charter requirement to justify intervention against existing damageASHRAE standards questioned as insufficient basis for interventionMinimal intervention principleUse of existing ductwork where possibleAvoidance of new penetrations in historic fabricRank-ordered criteria: preservation of buildings, curation of collections, visitor comfort

   Full source minutes

   Votes and testimony

   Votes

   • David Hollenbergabstain
   • Suzanne Pentzabstain

   Testimony

   • Bill Brookoversupport, person
   • Bonnie Haldasupport, person
   • Cliff Northropsupport, person
   • George Skarmeassupport, person
   • Lisa Soderbergsupport, person
   • Michael Henryneutral, person
   • National Park Servicesupport, organization
   • Rich Varelasupport, person
   • Stephen Finkelmanneutral, person
   • Vitetta Groupsupport, organization