Closed-source versus open-source systems can be traced back to the Roman Empire (at least). In ill-fated Pompeii, well-preserved chariot tracks demonstrate a closed-source approach. Today, we favor open-source systems for the sake of our contractors and clients.

When public agencies bid out construction work for exterior restoration projects, they are generally obligated to award the job to the bidder with the lowest lump-sum price. The entire universe of contractors is eligible to bid, and sometimes 50 bids are received. Such “open calls” are one reason that these clients value SUPERSTRUCTURES’ change order-resistant drawings and specifications.

As Boston's John Hancock building was nearing completion in 1976, its glass curtain wall panels began failing. The vacant openings were filled temporarily with plywood, earning it the nickname “Plywood Palace.” This "celebrated" facade failure provided a formative experience for our founding principal, Paul Millman, PE, RA.

SUPERSTRUCTURES specializes in restoring “skin” and “skeleton”—the building envelope and underlying structure. Parking structures are quintessential skeleton. They’re of interest because of the condition assessments required by New York City’s Local Law 126, and, unfortunately, some recent failures.

When public agencies and institutions solicit E/A proposals for professional services on restoration projects, they typically want two separate envelopes: one that describes our experience, capabilities, and project approach (the technical proposal), and a second envelope containing our fee (the fee proposal). The technical proposals are opened and reviewed first to identify the firm best qualified for the project (which, fortunately, is often SUPERSTRUCTURES).

Our 2025 series of “Lunch & Learn” seminars continued April 16th with “Historically Accurate Windows—Respectful Renovation” presented by architectural engineer Rob Jezior of Wausau Windows. 65 SUPERSTRUCTURES team members expanded their knowledge of window restoration, earned CEUs, and enjoyed a free lunch in our presentation space.

Efforts to make everything—including buildings—“green” continue to dominate the environmental conversation. But demolishing an existing building to replace it with a new, energy-efficient one may not be greener after all.

If you stick around while you finish your popcorn, you’ll notice that the credits offer an interesting glimpse behind the scenes of a film’s production. If credits rolled on restoration projects, they'd also be worth a look.

SUPERSTRUCTURES is excited to continue this eighth season of the Frost Jacking Day Tracker. "Frost jacking" is what happens when freezing temperatures cause rain or snow to turn to ice and expand cracks in a facade. As cycles of freezing and thawing accumulate, the cracks continue to grow and exterior hazardous conditions or interior water damage or leaks can occur.

When potential clients contact us, we’re happy to field their questions, consider their building’s needs, and assess the scope of their projects. We welcome these contacts, but sometimes we end up referring building owners elsewhere. Why do we do that? Because we want to be a resource for clients and find the right fit between our practice (or others') and their needs.