The Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92 serves to educate the public about the significant role the Brooklyn Navy Yard has played – and continues to play – in the history of the United States and Brooklyn. Silman worked on the stabilization, repair, and modification of the existing structure, a 1857 Marine Commandant’s Residence, and construction of a modern addition. The existing building, a masonry bearing wall structure with wood joists, was designed by Thomas Ustick Walter, fourth Architect of the Capitol and one of the founders of the American Institute of Architects. This project is LEED Platinum certified.
Silman designed both the foundations of the new modular framed building and the foundation and superstructure for the atrium connecting the new and existing building. From the information provided by the geotechnical investigation, Silman determined that the existing and new structures would require pile supported foundations.
The team implemented a strap system for the existing building foundation. Cantilever grade beams with post-installed jacked piles were utilized to stabilize and resupport the existing building with the goal of limiting additional building settlement over time. One unique aspect of the restoration work on this building was masonry injection grouting to restore the integrity of the walls.
