The Book Tower renovation continues.

The Book Tower is my favorite Detroit skyscraper. Built in 1916-1926, it is in the process of being renovated for reopening in 2022. 

God willing and the corona don't rise.

One of the best parts of the renovation is that it is a genuine restoration as well, with the architects and engineers having to relearn old techniques to truly return the building to its former glory.

Among the intricate undertakings for the project are the restoration of original plaster and an art glass skylight that was blocked.

Ferndale-based Russell Plastering is handling the plasterwork while New Jersey-based Femenella & Associates is undertaking the skylight restoration.  

Arthur Femenella, vice president of Femenella & Associates, said his firm, along with New York City-based ODA Architecture, used an old photograph of the dome and the remaining cast iron frame with dome to aid in the design. The restoration process will involve replicating the missing framework and glass, which will feature 7,000 jewels — of which 3,000 will have to be replicated. The dome and glass will be put back into place and a new undercroft built.

Femenella said the project is a rare one.

“In 75 years of experience in our office, we’ve never seen anything like this," he said. "Doing this type of design, again, is something very new to us. We’re going to make this whole entire thing based on the old means and methods, which we had to learn by reverse engineering.”

Read the whole thing. Note especially the restored bronze work.

When it reopens, I will get in there with my camera and post the pics here.