Dorchester Heights Monument

The Dorchester Heights Monument is a 114-foot-tall load-bearing masonry structure located in Boston’s Thomas Park. Originally constructed of white marble, the tower was built in 1901 by Boston architects Peabody & Stearns and commemorates General George Washington and the Continental Army’s fortifications on the hills of Dorchester Heights that forced the British troops from Boston.

Water infiltration and condensation within the structure have plagued the Monument since the time of its construction. Despite several waterproofing and structural repair campaigns, the Monument’s interior architectural, material, and structural conditions have continued to deteriorate, and its humid interior environment has contributed to the degradation of structural members. To address these issues, the Mills + Schnoering Architects team, under the direction of the National Park Service, conducted an aerial survey of the Monument; assessed the interior environment through the logging of temperature and humidity monitors; developed bridging documents for interim critical weatherization repairs; and produced a comprehensive conditions assessment with treatment recommendations for its restoration and rehabilitation.