El Molino Project Pasadena

This project required that we restore 4 broken non-reinforced chimneys on a residence in Pasadena designed by Myron Hunt. The clients were Robert Picardo (Star Trek- Next Generation) and Linda Pawlick. These structures were rebuilt using reinforced masonry on top of the existing non-reinforced masonry with extensive engineering into the attic diaphragm.

The chimneys were badly damaged by the Whittier Narrows and the Northridge earthquakes and posed a serious hazard. Boston Brick & Stone was selected for the restoration.

This was our last project where the cities allowed the repair of unreinforced masonry with reinforced masonry. Despite extensive engineering and safe guards the practice was prohibited after 2000.

Project El Molino

The two “twins” as they were before the repair.

In this photo you can see the two “twins” as they were before the repair.

A photo of the only exterior chimney of the four.

A photo of the only exterior chimney of the four. The other three were all interior chimneys. This chimney was broken

This chimney was the result of another company’s attempt at repairing it.

This chimney was the result of another company’s attempt at repairing it. The majesty of the original chimney is nowhere to be found. See photo below of Boston Brick & Stone’ work.

The same chimney after Boston Brick & Stone has completed the repair.

The repair under way.

The repair under way. Below we built a ramp to haul the yards of concrete to the top.

The “Twins” just before they were taken down.

The “Twins” complete.

The “Twins” complete. All aspects of the original design were perfectly and faithfully duplicated.

The completed exterior chimney with a low brace to help it in an earthquake.

The completed exterior chimney with a low brace to help it in an earthquake. The brace is not visible from the street. We re-used the original concrete shoulders which weighed over 800 pounds each.