As part of a larger renovation and restoration of Harvard’s historic River Houses, CVM performed an exploratory survey of the exterior enclosures of Dunster House, including the components of the clock tower. The tower’s brick masonry base, steel-framed balustrade, wood siding and copper dome were all thoroughly examined, as was its ornamentation: the clock elements and copper finial and weather vane, each gilded in 23 karat gold leaf. As a result of a recent restoration program, these elements were found to be in mostly good condition, though CVM did recommend, design and oversee localized repair programs for the base, wood siding, finial and weather vane.

Location: Cambridge, MA