The Role of Structural Engineering Services in Renovating Historic Buildings

It’s official: one of New Orleans’ historic buildings will be given a second lease on life. Reports have revealed that the historic headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service, Inc. will be reinvented as a luxury hotel with 217 rooms.

The reinvented headquarters, which will be renamed the NOPSI Hotel, is expected to open in Spring 2017.

One thing worth noting is that this will not be a demolition job, but rather a renovation of the site. A representative from the developer said that “a meticulous restoration returns each space to its previous splendor, including the building’s street facades, cast iron rails and stone panels.”

Meeting the Challenge

Of course, seeing the historic building enter a new phase is exciting, especially in a city filled with many historically relevant structures. That being said, undertaking the renovation of a centuries-old building is no small task. Fortunately, specialized companies offer structural engineering services in New Orleans that can help make such projects a success.

The building’s safety is perhaps the biggest aspect that structural engineers will look at. More specifically, they will evaluate the historic building’s structure and undertake means to bolster it against a potential earthquake. This might include bracing parapets or chimneys, enhancing floor-to-wall framing for added support, and reinforcing the emergency escape routes.

Another aspect that structural engineers will look at is the fire safety of an old structure. After all, many of these buildings were constructed using outdated fire codes. If historical buildings are to be reopened as commercial spaces or museums, they must comply with modern fire codes to ensure the safety of customers and visitors. Hence, a fire exit may be added or created to facilitate safe evacuation in the event of a fire.

Lastly, a structural engineer will also modify the building to improve its energy efficiency. This might include replacing the windows with thermal glass, adding insulation to the walls, and even adding awnings and other shading devices to keep heat from entering the building.

With such services, the life of old structures such as the NOPSI building can be extended and its historical value preserved.

Historic Buildings Starting a New Chapter 

Thanks to modern engineering, a new generation of New Orleans residents can appreciate the beauty and history of buildings such as the former NOPSI headquarters. If the hotel proves to be a success, one can expect that more investors will look to give the city’s historical buildings a new lease on life—a boon to the local economy and to the tourism industry. 

Sources
Historic NOPSI Building Reimagined As New Orleans Luxury Hotel, BIzNewOrleans.com
Structural Engineering of Historic Buildings, StruCalc.com