Phipps Conservatory – Palm Court “O-G” Roof Replication


Palm Court – 1922

Palm Court – 2010

PROJECT: Roof Replication of Original 1895
OWNER: Phipps Conservatory/City of Pittsburgh
DATE: 2018
CONTRACTOR: Greenhouse Renovation Services, Inc.
Montgomery Smith, Inc.
Structural Assessment
Glazing Consultant
Construction Documents

The original Palm Court roof design from 1893 included the curved roof with an extended concave curved ridge connection. This portion of the roof structure was severely damaged during a wind storm in 1934 and was removed from the structure leaving a typical flat line ridge. An engineering study done in 1998 proved that the structure was capable of having this “O-G” top reconstructed and plans for the restoration began in 2002. The finished project included the replicated roof structure and glazing, additional roof ventilation sash, replicated ridge cresting with bronze finials and a new interior roof access stairway and walkways for maintenance.


Go to Top of Page