The project team for the cottage reconstruction is:
· Friends of Rittenhouse Square - project sponsor and major funding
source
· City of Philadelphia, The Honorable Michael Nutter, Mayor -
additional funding
· Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Honorable Edward Rendell,
Governor - additional funding
· Fairmount Park
· City of Philadelphia Capital Program Office
· Schade and Bolender Architects LLP
The concrete pads for the building floor and the two enclosures were poured early in April, after the underground irrigation pipes and electrical conduit were installed. On April 10, the cottage was framed and sheathed, and the roof was lifted by crane and set in place.
Dodging the bad weather, crews from Apex Services were on site the week of April 13 to install the fence posts and lift the steel structures for the canopy roofs in the enclosures into place. The irrigation pumps were installed and the "Hot Box" enclosure for the pumps was put in place.
The roof structure is in good condition, but there were holes in the wood roof sheathing from chimney flues, and some of the sheathing was deteriorated. It was decided to add a layer of new plywood over the existing to make a stable surface for the new asphalt shingle roof.
As the stock German siding now available is not as bold as what was on the cottage, custom pieces were milled at the J. C. Snavely & Sons shop in Lancaster to exactly match the deteriorated siding that was removed. The siding was painted on all sides in the shop, to give the new wood as long a life as possible. Behind the siding the materials are modern plywood wall sheathing, adhered flexible flashing and breathable "Tyvek" building wrap.
By the end of April, the sidewalk was removed, and the new stone edging was in place. Aggregate samples were approved, so that the new concrete work will resemble the pebbly look of the perimeter walks around the park.
By May 8, most work will be complete. The restored windows will be in place. The sidewalk and driveway will be poured as soon as weather permits. The "Greenscreen" fencing and aluminum gates will be installed.
By the week of May 11, the planting beds and climbing plants will be in place. Ivy will grow up the screens and complete the enclosures to each side of the cottage. Over the summer and fall, park users will be able to watch as the vegetated wall becomes a reality, and the "new old" cottage settles into the life of the Square.
