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Tonto Natural Bridge Construction Blog

by Margy Parisella, Arizona State Parks Architect

Construction is now complete. This Blog will not have further entries.

This Blog tracked the status of the historic Tonto Lodge reconstruction project at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. The Lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed in 1925–26 and is significant for its role in the development of tourism in Arizona.

Eccentric structural loading patterns from the roof to the basement were the reason for the structural improvement portion of the project. The structural improvements were also required before the reroofing portion of the project began. The Lodge houses the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.

August 2010

Additional upgrades have been authorized, the Architect has provided sketches to trench and waterproof around the Lodge foundations. During the earlier construction, additional damage was noticed in the basement areas with solutions recommended by the Structural Engineer.

July 2010

The Fire Suppression Systems are complete and functioning together.

June 2010

National Fire Control has been hired to repair the fire department connections, fire pumps, water tank systems and make all of fire protection systems function together with the Lodge.

April 2010

The ceilings have been completed on the 2nd floor. The bedrooms are back in order — thanks to all the volunteer staff.

February 26, 2010

The Lodge Structural Repairs and Roof Replacement Project is now complete. Dining Room complete: State Parks received approval for additional functional improvements beyond the "original stabilization" since the construction cost came in slightly less than originally budgeted. The added improvements that will enhance the future use of the Lodge, these improvements include: repairing / replacing portions of 2nd floor ceiling, improving the wooden exit stairway and creating an automatic alarm and water connections between the fire tank/pump system and the Lodge. The project will continue to work on these newly approved improvements.

November 15, 2009

The ADA restroom at the Lodge now has new tile floors and walls. The dining and living rooms have been been painted. Some of the wood floors have been uncovered and the furniture is getting back in place.

October 21, 2009

Installation and finishing of drywall continues at the Lodge. Repair and replacement of the rain damaged ceilings will begin soon. Restroom upgrades to meet ADA Guidelines have begun.

September 4, 2009

Steel beams and columns have been added on either side of the existing wood beams and columns to carry the structural load of the building. Jim Garrison, State Historic Preservation Officer, visited the Lodge. Jim appreciated the "additive" nature of the structural improvements, which allowed the original historic fabric to remain in place.

The diamond shaped metal shingle roofing is almost complete. This product was selected because it most closely emulated the previous roofing, which is no longer available. The roof shingle size and shape were determined to be "character defining elements" of the lodge building. Perimeter insulation is also being added to the lodge building.

July 16, 2009

The Lodge is getting new fascia boards and soffits with vent strips. Insulation baffles will be placed between the roof joists to allow ventilation from the eaves to the dormer vents. Unfaced R-30 fiberglas blanket insulation will be added to the attic spaces. New guardrails / handrails are being installed at the porches to meet ADA guidelines. The archaic knob and tube electrical wiring shown in the attic will also be replaced with this project.

        

June 11, 2009

New beams and support posts have been added under the dining room and lobby floors. Attic glu-lam beams are also being bolted in place. An interesting second story tie-rod with wood truss and beam combination was uncovered that spans from the attic to support the beam over the living room. The original Celotex label (shown here), which was inside the wall shows that this material was produced in New Orleans.

         

The Architect for the Project is MRT Design, LLC with Gervasio and Associates, Inc. as the Structural Engineer.

May 21, 2009

Construction fencing has been installed around the Historic Tonto Lodge and selective demolition and repairs have begun within the building at the basement level.

    

May 13, 2009

The "Notice to Proceed with Construction" was issued for Monday, May 18th for "Structural Repairs and Roof Replacement" at the Historic Tonto Lodge. The General Contractor is BMJS Contracting, Inc. of Happy Jack, AZ.

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