Swedish American Institute Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House Restoration
Minneapolis
Merit Award
Sent by: JE Dunn Construction
Owner: Swedish American Institute
Main design company: HGA Architects and Engineers
General contractor: JE Dunn Construction
Subcontractors: Advance Terrazzo and Tile Co.; All City Elevator Inc.; American Masonry Inc.; Architectural Sales of Minnesota Inc.; Bauer Industries LLC dba Bauer Metal; Boe Ornamental Iron Inc.; Carl Bolander & Sons LLC
Turnblad Mansion was donated to the public as a place to preserve Swedish customs and culture in 1929. The mansion’s $12.8 million restoration improved building systems and completely restored the original masonry of the building
Due to the steep roofs and difficult access points, the restoration of the roof and outer skin required different strategies to minimize impacts on the land footprint. To properly restore the facility, the team used construction techniques from the 1900s, including hand-hewing the stone, using custom-made joining tools to recreate masonry joints, reworking operable windows with weights original lead and replacement strings and use custom brass flashings to seal the fittings. windows
During construction of the elevator, crews discovered that the existing footings were lower than expected and the ground was dry. The team properly supported the existing footing and the lift was installed in a new shaft that meets code requirements.
A burst steam pipe caused water to pool in the basement. Although not related to the scope of the project, JE Dunn helped clean up and repair the damage and performed work to protect the client from these events.
