Cincinnati Museum Center

The Union Terminal Building, which first opened in 1933, is an Art Deco icon listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Silman participated in a long-range facility renovation and master plan that focused on the restoration and preservation of several significant historic areas of the building, which now houses three museums and a theater.

In order to ensure long-term preservation of the building and its use for the future goals of the museum center, Silman was asked to review and comment on the existing structural conditions of the historic building. The evaluation involved investigation and analysis of the current structural conditions as well as an assessment of the short- and long-term performance issues/life expectancies of the existing structure. Elements in the survey included masonry and stone building envelope; flat and inclined roof areas and parapets; the entrance canopy, plaza, and fountain in front of the building; steel and concrete superstructure framing system; and preliminary review of the piled foundation.

Silman subsequently specified and supervised the repairs performed during the restoration phase. Work included a new reinforced CMU drum wall behind the rotunda and the restoration of the Union Terminal railroad station in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The museum remained partially open to the public during this phase.