Case Study: Fort Warren On Georges Island

Fort Warren, built in the 1830s, served a crucial role in national defense, evolving with advancements in warfare technology until its decommissioning in 1947. Fort Warren is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1970.

McGinley, Kaslow, and Associates is completing a $5.4 million renovation project at Fort Warren that will include the renovation and expansion of the visitor center, the construction of a new 3,000 square-foot food service facility, new ranger housing, replacement of the pier at Georges Island, and additional site improvements, such as replacing safety fencing and repairing unsafe historic bluestone walkways.  

Existing Conditions utilized 3D laser scanning to deliver precise documentation, including a 3D Revit model and detailed as-built drawings, to support ongoing restoration and maintenance efforts.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation now retains these files, which will play a critical role in securing funding for a range of restoration projects over the next two decades.

The project addressed the complexities of a historic military structure with irregular geometry, ensuring that future restoration efforts could be carried out efficiently and accurately.

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Scope of Work

Existing Conditions conducted a comprehensive 3D laser scan of Fort Warren using the FARO Focus 3D S50 scanner. Over three days, a six-person team executed 85 scans, overcoming access and safety challenges posed by the fort’s complex structure and remote location. The final deliverables consisted of a precise 3D Revit model, floor plans, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), and exterior elevations, delivering accurate data for long-term preservation planning.

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The Challenge

Fort Warren presented multiple logistical and technical challenges. Its location on Georges Island meant that reaching the site required special transportation arrangements, particularly during the off-season when ferry services were unavailable. Limited access placed strict time constraints on fieldwork, requiring meticulous planning to ensure all necessary equipment and resources were on hand and all areas of the fort were completely documented.

The fort’s irregular geometry, including non-perpendicular walls, arched structures, and an earth-covered roof, made traditional measurement methods impractical. Additionally, navigating the structure’s enclosed, unlit areas and spiral staircases introduced safety concerns that had to be carefully managed.

The scale and complexity of the site, along with its ongoing structural changes from over a century of modifications, added further challenges to accurate data collection.

"The scale of Fort Warren, its irregular geometry, and the structural changes it has undergone over more than a century, presents unique challenges. Given its complexity and from my experience dating back to when we manually measured buildings, using traditional methods here would have been virtually impossible."
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- Wendall Kalsow, Principal and President at McGinley, Kalsow, & Associates.

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The Solution

To address these challenges, Existing Conditions utilized advanced 3D laser scanning technology to capture the fort’s complex architectural details efficiently. This method provided precise measurements far superior to traditional surveying techniques. The collected data was converted into Revit files, creating a comprehensive digital model that will serve as a critical tool for restoration planning.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation holds these digital assets, allowing for more effective planning and execution of restoration projects over the next 20 years.

The 3D Revit model enables preservation teams to assess conditions, plan interventions, and track structural changes without intrusive inspections, ensuring efficient and historically sensitive restoration.

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How This Project at Fort Warren Was Unique

The Fort Warren project stood out due to its remote island location, requiring collaboration with the National Park Service for specialized boat transportation. Unlike typical urban restoration projects, fieldwork had to be scheduled around limited transport options, with strict timing to avoid delays or overnight stays.

Additionally, the fort’s historical nature meant that the work environment lacked modern infrastructure, such as electricity. The team relied on advanced scanning equipment and, in some cases, basic flashlights to access and document darker areas. These conditions, combined with the structure’s unique architectural features, made the project both technically demanding and historically significant.

By leveraging 3D laser scanning, this project ensured that Fort Warren’s preservation would be supported by accurate, data-driven planning, safeguarding its legacy for future generations.

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History of Fort Warren

Fort Warren, located on Georges Island in Boston Harbor, was built between 1833 and 1861. Designed by Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, it was constructed primarily from granite and brick, featuring a pentagonal shape with bastions at each corner to provide overlapping fields of fire. The fort was strategically positioned to guard the entrance to Boston Harbor.

Fort Warren was initially designed as part of a defense system created after the War of 1812 to protect the East Coast from foreign threats. During the Civil War, it served as a Union stronghold and Confederate prison. Upgraded in the 1890s with modern coastal artillery, it played roles in World War I and II, defending Boston from potential attacks.

Advances in military technology made it obsolete, leading to its decommissioning in 1947. Now part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Fort Warren remains a historic landmark, showcasing America’s coastal defense evolution over a century.

Learn more about the history of Fort Warren on Georges Island by watching this YouTube video by the Boston Harbor Islands.

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About the Client McGinley, Kalsow, and Associates

McGinley, Kalsow & Associates McGinley Kalsow & Associates has undertaken several projects on Georges Island, including the restoration of the mine storage building, the generator building, and the training center.

McGinley Kalsow & Associates is an architectural firm specializing in restoring and renovating historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, National Landmarks, and Historic Districts.

With expertise in historic materials, finishes, and building systems, McGinley Kalsow & Associates ensures accurate restoration, renovations, and additions. The firm conducts feasibility studies to assess the practicality and potential for stabilizing and repairing a structure, securing funding for these projects, and finding new ways to repurpose or adapt the building for future use.

Providing preservation architecture and planning for both public and private clients, the company ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. By integrating historic character with modern design, McGinley Kalsow & Associates enhances projects while reducing costs through careful assessment and sustainable solutions.

Wendall Kalsow, Principal and President, specializes in the assessment, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic structures, including National Historic Landmarks. His expertise encompasses historic construction methods, material conservation, and structural rehabilitation. He ensures the integration of modern building systems and accessibility upgrades while maintaining architectural integrity and historical significance.

Wendall also sits on the board of Preservation Massachusetts and is part of the Lexington Historical Commission. For his outstanding work in preserving historical sites in Massachusetts, he received the Paul E. Tsongas Preservation Award.

The use of laser scanning and the creation of Revit files for this project provided extremely accurate information about this irregular geometry, which is a significant advancement. The Department of Conservation and Recreation now holds these files, and they will be instrumental as they secure funding for various restoration and stabilization projects over the next 20 years.
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- Wendall Kalsow, Principal and President at McGinley, Kalsow, & Associates.‍‍

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Existing Conditions 3D Laser Scanning Services

Over the past 27 years, Existing Conditions has measured, documented, and modeled over 10,000 buildings across the United States, establishing ourselves as an industry leader in 3D laser scanning.

Architects trust us to deliver digital representations of the as-built environment with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Our dedicated Project Managers provide fast and accurate 3D laser scanning services and drone imagery services, and expert CAD and BIM technicians create custom, detailed deliverables, including point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, TruViews, and 3D virtual tours.

Contact Existing Conditions today to ensure your historical site is accurately documented and maintained for future generations.

Contact us today for a free project estimate.