University of Chicago Cobb Gate

Cobb Gate, built in 1897, is the symbolic main entrance to the University of Chicago. Modifications to the Gate’s walkway to improve accessibility involved a 15-inch slope and new surface paving.  New limestone stairs and metal railings were added to the east and west gate along with restoration of the original gate. The restoration architect’s legal counsel retained RRJ to investigate performance and develop repairs for the visually distressed granite pavers after renovations were complete.  RRJ analyzed the failure investigation report prepared by the university’s engineering consultants and developed repair design and specifications to resolve the paver issues that were successfully executed by the original restoration contractor.

Scope of Services

• Investigate gate and paving performance
• Analyze failure investigation report
• Develop repair design and specifications