85 Devonshire St.
85 Devonshire St. is a high rise brick and limestone office building located in downtown Boston. Over the years, Abbot had done several routine maintenance projects for the previous owners, including caulking, pointing, and crack stabilization. Recently, Abbot was contracted by the current owner to perform a major restoration to the building façade.
Phase 1 of the restoration project involved the 12-story south, west, and east elevations where Abbot repaired various perimeter wall defects as indicated in a report by the engineering firm (D.M. Berg Consultants) contracted by the building owner. The repairs consisted of pinning defective stones and sealing numerous cracks to bring the building in compliance with the city of Boston Façade Ordinance Code.
On the 5-story north elevation, the brick wall that corresponded with the elevator shaft was experiencing severe leakage likely attributed to the multiple dislodged bricks and deteriorated windows. The contract called for Abbot to repair the dislodged bricks, install new brick in place of all of the windows, repoint the entire brick wall and seal the wall with two coats of an elastomeric protective coating. The project was complicated by the need for Abbot to move its equipment over an abutter's roof by crane, erect the equipment, and then remove the equipment by crane after the job was completed.
A masonry contractor's reputation can be built by years of solid performance, a strong work ethic, and good relationships with clients and engineering/architectural firms. However, perhaps the utmost compliment that can be paid to a contractor is to be hired back on new projects by new building owners. This recurring theme throughout Abbot's 77-year history is a key factor in separating Abbot from many of its competitors.
Michael Norman is president of Abbot Building Restoration, Co., Inc., Boston.