Aetna Corporate Headquarters

Aetna Corporate Headquarters

Location Hartford, CT

Category Commercial

Focus Area FacadesHistoric RestorationWaterproofing Design

Rogers Building

Designed by James Gamble Rogers and constructed in 1931, Aetna’s corporate headquarters building (the Rogers Building) is known as the world’s largest colonial revival building.

Masonry Investigation and Repairs

Hoffmann Architects + Engineers was retained in 2013 by Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF) to investigate distress observed at the limestone cornices and masonry parapets of the Rogers Building, as well as at the site walls of the tea garden. Although a previous project to repair and stabilize the masonry parapets and surrounding limestone cornices was performed in 2006, areas of deterioration were once again observed that required repair. Our design professionals performed an investigation to identify the causes of this deterioration, which included an on-site investigation, as well as a review of construction documents and previous reports. To repair defects and address deterioration at the elements in the areas of the investigation, Hoffmann recommended a rehabilitation program be performed to repair the limestone cornices, masonry parapets, and site walls.  NGKF requested Hoffmann provide bidding and construction administration services for the implementation of the recommended repairs.

In the following years, several repair projects have been performed throughout the facade to address similar deterioration that continues to present itself. Along with providing details and specifications for repairing isolated defects, Hoffmann developed a long-term approach to addressing existing material and detailing deficiencies contributing to the ongoing deterioration. This approach, which involved removal of inappropriate coatings from the limestone facade elements and reconstruction of existing limestone balustrades, has been successfully implemented through a phased approach at various portions of the facade.

Moat Wall Restoration

NGKF retained Hoffmann Architects + Engineers to prepare documents for the restoration of the site walls at the Rogers Building. These walls, referred to as the “moat” walls because they surround areaways around the perimeter of the building, are multi-story concrete stem walls with solid masonry portions above grade. The masonry portions, which are constructed of brick and brownstone panels and copings, were experiencing distress due to their age and required restoration. Hoffmann prepared documents for this restoration, which included repointing work, brick and brownstone panel replacement, coping stone and sealant replacement, and installation of new subsurface drainage and waterproofing.

Water Infiltration Investigation – North Entrance Level A and B

NGKF also retained Hoffmann Architects + Engineers to investigate water infiltration that occurred at Levels A and B at the North Entrance of the Rogers Building. Previously installed partial foundation waterproofing and subsurface drainage had been successful in mitigating the majority of the infiltration, however, leaking continued to present itself at this location. The investigation required access to the interior spaces at Levels A and B, and some existing terra cotta tiles were removed from the interior face of the foundation wall at Level A.  Based on the results of the investigation, and taking into consideration the extensive excavation work and cost associated with installing exterior foundation waterproofing to address the leaks, our design professionals recommended that pressure injection of expanding foam be implemented to address the water infiltration.

 

Aetna Corporate Headquarters

Aetna Corporate Headquarters building