Our January 20 ICRI-NE Dinner Presentation will feature four (4) local industry experts who will provide participants with the practical information they need to navigate Boston’s Facade Ordinance.
PRESENTATION SUMMARY: In 2022, the City of Boston amended its Facade Ordinance (Section 9-9.12) to strengthen public safety through more rigorous inspections of building exteriors. The Ordinance requires licensed professionals to conduct periodic evaluations of exterior walls and appurtenances and submit certified reports. It applies to buildings over 70 feet in height and vacant structures exceeding 35,000 cubic feet. Key updates to the Ordinance include specific facade condition classifications—Safe, Unsafe, and Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program—to prevent structural and cladding failures and protect pedestrians and property.
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) brings extensive experience in navigating these requirements and coordinating with Boston’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD), particularly when unsafe conditions demand immediate action. Collaboration with skilled masonry contractors, such as P.J. Spillane Company, is often critical for temporary stabilization of Boston’s prevalent masonry facades. This presentation will outline compliance requirements, inspection protocols, and enforcement mechanisms, providing building owners and professionals with practical guidance to meet these safety standards.
SCHEDULE: 5:30 p.m. Networking & Cocktails | 6:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner | 6:30 p.m. Presentation (60 minutes)
LOCATION: Granite Links, 100 Quary Hills Drive, Quincy MA
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Kara Kea, PESenior Associate | WJE BostonKara has performed a wide range of repair and rehabilitation projects, facade assessments, failure investigation projects, structural feasibility studies, evaluations of existing structures, and instrumentation and monitoring projects on various structures. These structures primarily include high-rise and mid-rise buildings, warehouses, parking garages, plazas, and tunnels comprised of various substrates such as reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, steel, masonry, and wood.
Kara's project work includes assessment, stabilization, and repair of building facades including masonry and concrete. As part of WJE’s Difficult Access Team (DAT), Kara has also assisted in up-close rope access assessments of a wide range of cladding materials including masonry veneer, mass masonry, limestone, insulated metal panels, concrete, precast concrete panels, and terra cotta. Representative local projects include 2 Hampshire Tower concrete facade repairs, Dagny Hotel masonry facade stabilization and repairs, Harbor Towers concrete facade repairs, Sheraton Boston concrete facade assessment and repairs, and Pequot Highlands masonry veneer stabilization and repairs.
Tara Ikenouye, AIA, CPHCAssociate Principal | WJE BostonTara holds master’s degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation with a focus on technology and sustainability. She brings extensive experience in construction observation, preparation of drawings and specifications, and condition assessment of existing structures with diverse enclosure materials such as brick, concrete, stone, and glazed curtain walls.
Tara specializes in developing solutions for distressed materials and assemblies, addressing water infiltration issues, and performing hygrothermal analyses to support the rehabilitation and insulation of mass masonry structures. Her work in historic preservation combines in-depth technical assessment with creative problem-solving to protect and revitalize iconic structures. She provides peer review and enclosure consulting to design teams, as well as building enclosure commissioning services for owners—often including the development of enclosure details, construction documents, and administration during construction. Representative projects include inspections of numerous buildings subject to the City of Boston Facade Ordinance, with notable examples such as Old South Church, Boston City Hall, and 26 Court Street.
Melvin ManciaForeman | P.J. Spillane CompanyMelvin's main concentration is building restoration and preservation. He is also well rounded in waterproofing and sealant work. He has been with P.J. Spillane for 13 years, where he has acquired many certifications and licenses.
Some of his most notable projects include the 200 Berkeley Street Weather Beacon, 200 Berkeley Street Facade Restoration, 160 Federal Street Facade Restoration, Fairmont Hotel Facade Restoration, and 50 Staniford Street Facade.
Dan MurrayProject Executive | P.J. Spillane CompanyDan's main focus is masonry restoration as well as concrete repair and waterproofing. He spent the first 10 years of his career working in the field as a mason for Northeast Masonry before joining the P.J. Spillane team in 2014. He attended Southern New Hampshire University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications.
Some of his most notable projects include Old South Church, Norwood Chapel, Proctor Estate Mansion, Harvard Business School Shad Hall, MIT Bldg. 54, and The First Church of Christ Scientist Fountain.
