Many Glacier Hotel – Emergency Stabilization, Glacier National Park, MT

In 1999, the Many Glacier Hotel at Glacier National Park was listed as one of the top ten most endangered historic structures in the nation. A condition assessment phase identified a major foundation wall failure and numerous dangerous balcony structures. The Emergency Stabilization project required the integration of new structural framing members into the failing building while maintaining designated historic features. The new structural work was designed to be concealed within existing walls and unused crawl spaces. Photographs of distinctive features and detailed drawings were used to communicate to the contractor how to match the character of the historic fabric. A new concrete wall was cast against the existing stone rubble foundation wall, and then the leaning four-story superstructure was jacked back into position on the new foundation. Balconies that provided occupant egress were replaced with steel framing, clad with wood to match the original timber framing. The project won Montana’s 2004 Building Excellence Award in the Best Historic Renovation Category.