Documentation of the historic Battery 234 Tower

The 3D scan produces several products the park can utilize in the preservation and interpretation of the tower.

NPS Graphic

Year: 2019 Total Cost: $33,717

In April 2018, a structural engineer’s analysis of the Battery 234 Tower identified deterioration of the tower’s structural elements, forcing the closure of the area for visitor safety. The National Park Service, with consultation from independent engineers, determined the safest course of action would be to remove the concrete observation booth—weighing 113,000 lbs—until the steel support structure could be rehabilitated.

This project allowed the park the park fully documented the tower through the Heritage Documentation Programs (HDP), specifically the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) prior to the removal of the observation booth. As part of the documentation, the tower was scanned with photogrammetry in order to get a detailed 3D picture of the state and condition of the tower before it is dismantled. Additionally, measured drawings as well as large format photography was submitted to the park and the Library of Congress. This information will promote the park’s knowledge and understanding of the tower, its construction, and historic uses, and assist the park in making management decisions related to the future preservation of the tower. This project was funded by park entrance and facility-use fees.