Cornell University engaged Welliver to undertake the complex replacement of the roof on McGraw Tower, one of the campus’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks. Welliver was selected for its proven expertise in managing technically demanding projects and delivering innovative solutions under challenging conditions.
The project was necessitated by the deteriorating condition of the tower’s spire roof, which had suffered extensive weather-related wear over time. Standing 140 feet tall, with the spire reaching 172 feet, McGraw Tower posed unique logistical and safety challenges that required meticulous planning and execution.
The scope of work included removing the existing roof structure and installing a new, historically accurate spire. Due to the tower’s height and architectural importance, the first major challenge was designing and constructing a custom scaffolding system capable of safely reaching the full elevation of the spire. This system had to be engineered for both height and stability while minimizing its impact on the surrounding campus environment.
Another critical challenge involved sourcing highly skilled labor with the specialized experience required to work at extreme heights on a delicate structure. After an extensive search, Welliver secured a team of expert Lead Sheetmetal Workers from Canada, whose craftsmanship ensured the work was completed with precision and safety.
Throughout the project, Welliver maintained close coordination with Cornell’s facilities team to minimize disruption to campus life. Rigorous safety protocols were enforced, and despite the logistical complexities, the project was successfully completed. Additional work included removing and reinstalling three smaller roofs within the tower and performing masonry restoration on both McGraw Tower and Uris Library.
The result is a beautifully restored spire that preserves the historical integrity of McGraw Tower while ensuring its structural soundness for decades to come. Cornell not only gained an aesthetic and functional enhancement but also the assurance that the work was executed to the highest standards of craftsmanship and safety.
