McGraw construction melds modern with historical | Cornell Chronicle

"Workers discovered signatures in the stone dating back to 1872; some cast iron columns were stamped with the word “Treman, Valentine and Green,” suggesting the foundry that created them; and pieces of millwork had handwritten names of Cornell shop employees, said Adam Heisler, project manager for Cornell's Facilities and Campus Services office."

"Some of the old lumber in the building was carried to Rand Hall, where architecture classes are studying it for use as engineered lumber. Still more was moved to the Cornell Tree Ring Laboratory in the basement of Goldwin Smith Hall for hands-on work by researchers."

"“We are also saving some architectural elements, such as carved wooden moldings and cast-iron columns, that could be displayed in the entrance of the building in the future,” said Erik Gray, director of facilities for the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). The building's dormers and many of its window frames were salvaged and will be restored and reinstalled, Heisler said."

"The McGraw renovation began in 2025 and includes an overhaul of the interior structure and layout, as well as an update to building systems and work to preserve and bolster the exterior façade. Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with reopening planned for 2028."

Workers rebuilding McGraw Hall from the inside out uncovered stone signatures dating to 1872, cast iron columns stamped with “Treman, Valentine and Green,” and millwork bearing handwritten names of Cornell shop employees. Old lumber was moved to Rand Hall for architecture classes studying it as engineered lumber, and additional material was taken to the Cornell Tree Ring Laboratory for hands-on research. The project preserves carved wooden moldings and cast-iron columns for potential future display, and salvages dormers and many window frames for restoration and reinstallation. The renovation began in 2025, includes interior overhaul, updates to building systems, and exterior facade preservation and strengthening, with construction through 2027 and reopening planned for 2028.

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