Gilboa Dam

NYC Department of Environmental Protection

Gilboa, NY
Ongoing

Goshow Architects is a subconsultant to the Joint Venture of Gannett Fleming + Hazen and Sawyer restoration of Gilboa Dam and its associated facilities. Gilboa Dam is located at the Schoharie Reservoir, one of 19 reservoirs that supplies New York City with fresh drinking water. Originally constructed in 1927, the Gilboa Dam and its associated facilities have served as a vital component in the New York City Catskill Water System. This project includes comprehensive restoration and remediation work to extend the dam’s service life and maintain its historic and natural setting in the Catskill region. The various elements of the project include:

RENOVATION OF DAM FAÇADE, OVERLOOK, AND TRAINING WALLS
Goshow Architects has been tasked with the renovation of the dam’s façade, repair of the existing bluestone training walls, and redesign of the public accessed overlook with an information kiosk. The stepped profile of the existing dam is faced in locally quarried bluestone and has experienced severe deterioration in the century since construction. A new stepped profile modifies the existing profile to reduce water turbulence and over 80,000 sf of bluestone training walls surrounding the dam spillway will be cleaned and repointed to return the walls to their original appearance.

LOW LEVEL OUTLET SYSTEM
Along with the Dam renovation, the project includes a new Low Level Outlet (LLO) System to replace the current non-functional system. The LLO regulates the reservoir levels by siphoning water from a submerged intake structure in the reservoir, and diverting the water around the dam. Similar design elements as the Dam were used to maintain a uniform aesthetic throughout the project. Further, wherever possible, the new utility structures are screened from public view by reforesting or installation of landscaped elements.

SHANDAKEN TUNNEL INTAKE FACILITY REHABILITATION
The project also includes the rehabilitation of the Shandaken Tunnel Intake Facility (STIC) at the southwest end of the Schoharie Reservoir. The STIC Facility releases reservoir waters through the Intake Chamber–this chamber serves as the entry point into the New York City Catskill Water System. Our work includes upgrading the aging mechanical support systems that control the flow of water into the drinking water supply, restoring the existing building historic façade elements, and modernizing the infrastructure systems to create a more energy efficient facility. Originally built in the 1920s from locally quarried bluestone, this building retains many historic features such as a slate roof, steel windows, and ashlar patterned masonry walls.