About the Project
The Forbes Avenue Gatehouse restoration preserved and strengthened one of Frick Park’s iconic historic entrances through critical roof, masonry, and drainage improvements. Sitting beside the Forbes Avenue Bridge and marking the trailhead for the North and South Clayton trails, the gatehouse is one of four historic park entrances designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Years of weather exposure and repeated tree branch damage had taken a toll on the structure, prompting a comprehensive restoration to protect this important park asset.
The project included carefully removing and restoring the slate roof, repairing damaged wood framing, and installing new weatherproofing to ensure long-term durability. Replacement slate—sourced to closely match the original—was installed, with salvaged historic slate retained for future repairs. Beyond the roof, the scope expanded to include installing new iron grates, meticulously set using traditional melted tin/lead solder, as the originals were constructed. Capstones were also restored, completing the architectural detailing once weather conditions allowed for proper curing.
In addition, a new trench system was installed to manage stormwater more effectively, significantly reducing runoff and providing a lasting improvement to the site’s drainage. Together, these upgrades ensure the Forbes Avenue Gatehouse remains structurally sound, historically authentic, and welcoming to park visitors for generations to come.
