PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: OLD CITY HALL

FOR OVER 120 YEARS, THE SITE OF BOSTON’S OLD CITY HALL HAS HOSTED NEW ENGLAND’S MOST PROMINENT LEADERS.

The site was originally home to Boston’s first public school, founded by Ben Franklin, John Hancock, and Sam Adams. In 1865, the City Hall was built and served as the center of Boston’s government under 38 mayors. In recent years, over 20 of Boston’s leading businesses have used the Hall as prime office space. Now, Local 17 is renovating the site as part of a new project to renew and strengthen it for the 21st Century. Local 17 members at Gilbert & Becker Roofing have worked through the hot summer months to restore the building’s timeworn roof. With meticulous craftsmanship, the team led by Local 17’s Brian Hermanson has replaced the 130-year-old detailed copper paneling. The upper deck has also been outfitted with a new, hand-crafted copper facade to match the previous decaying woodwork. The new roof is critical to Boston’s long-term project of making the Old City Hall safe and accessible for residents.

“This renovation will turn our seven-acre space into a welcoming, accessible space for all,” Mayor Walsh said in his July 13 announcement of the project. “[W]e are working hard to create safe areas for residents to gather as we strengthen our commitment to civic services in our City.” We’re proud of all our members who are preserving and modernizing this great Boston landmark for centuries to come.

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1. From L to R: Josh King, Russell Bartash, Brian Hermanson, Justin Marshall, Jacob Holland, Kristafor Daniels. 2. Local 17 members worked throughout the summer to preserve Boston’s Old City Hall. 3. New copper work will replace the 130-year-old facade. 4. Cleary W. Thompson works on the roof of Boston’s Old City Hall. 5. The peak of the building overlooks the heart of downtown Boston. 6. The project will be completed ahead of schedule, despite the pandemic. 7. Members renovate the custom window frames. 8. Hand-crafted details match the historic architecture. 9. Thomas Foley restores the upper roof. 10. Kristafor Daniels places hand-cut copper panels. 11. Bill Smith, Gary Peterson, Mike Woloschuk.

CELEBRATING A CENTENARIAN

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IT’S NOT EVERY DAY THAT WE MEET A CENTENARIAN.

We surprised our Brother Pellegrino “Pelly” Tulimieri with a special parade for his 100th birthday. Pelly’s been a member of Local 17 for 73 years and defended our country during World War II. As a Staff Sergeant in the Army, he fought to free France and helped capture Austria from the Nazis when he was just 24 years old. He was awarded multiple medals for his valor, including the Bronze Star and Victory Medal. We worked with his family to plan the parade and Local 17 members turned out to celebrate his accomplishments. We were also proud to be joined by Congressman Stephen Lynch, Weymouth Mayor Robert Hedlund, State Senator Patrick O’Connor, State Representative Jamie Murphy, and the Weymouth Town Council. Thanks to all of our members who came out, and congratulations to Brother Pelly!

1. Pelly greets cars and wellwishers outside his Weymouth home. 2. Pelly received several notes of congratulations, including one from President Donald Trump. 3. Local 17 members march in Pelly’s birthday parade. 4. Bagpipers perform outside Pelly’s home. 5. Active duty military members were on hand to recognize Pelly’s service in World War II. 6. State Senator Patrick O’Connor presents an official proclamation.