Presentation on the Restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, NY

Engineer Jack C. Healy, P.E. speaks at the American Institute of Architects New York State 2003 Annual Convention

Troy, NY (PRWEB) September 25, 2003 -- Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., consulting firm specializing in historical restoration and structural engineering, announced today that Jack C. Healy, P.E., Senior Engineer, will speak at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2003, at the Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2003 New York State Annual Convention, held at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, NY. Co-speaker will be Larry Wilson, Principal Architect from Mesick Cohen Baker Architects LLP. The presentation titled Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: Stone Replacement, Stone Selection, and Structural Issues" will focus on the extensive restoration project currently being conducted on the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York.

   The presentation will discuss the major preservation and restoration effort currently being conducted on the Cathedral, specifically focusing on the replacement of the stone facade. The program will provide a history of the Cathedral, identify the failure of the existing stone, illustrate the parameters used in selecting the replacement stone, discuss the structural studies conducted including the impact of the scaffolding on the existing structure, and testing of the existing masonry and the new stone anchoring.

   The Cathedral was the second Roman Catholic cathedral built in New York State and is listed on the local, state and national historical registers. Some architectural components of the original building, which were removed in the 1930s, are being incorporated into the restoration utilizing modern construction technology. The undertaking of such a large and extensive restoration illustrates the commitment of the archdiocese to connect with the architectural and historical significance of the original building as the church looks to the future.

About Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C.
Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., is a consulting engineering firm specializing in structural engineering. Since 1973, they have been providing design services from their main office in Troy, New York, and branch offices in Skaneateles, New York, and West Chester, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ryanbiggs.com.

About the American Institute of Architects New York State
Founded in 1931, AIA New York State has a statewide membership of 4,500 members in 12 chapters and speaks for the interests of all registered architects in New York State. The Executive Office is headquartered in Albany, New York. Its parent organization, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is a nationwide, 65,000 member association based in Washington, D.C. The primary functions of AIA New York State are public awareness to increase the public's general knowledge and awareness of architecture and the role architects play in the built and planned environment, and government affairs to monitor state legislative and regulatory activities to promote and enhance the profession of architecture, those who practice, and to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public it serves. The AIA New York Annual Convention will be held from October 2-5 at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, NY, and registration information can be obtained at www.aianys.org.

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