Memorial Hall was constructed from 1874-1875 as the Art Gallery for the International Centennial Exhibition. It is the only structure of the Centennial Exhibition that was intended to be permanent. It was designed by Herman J. Schwarzmann, Architect-in-Chief of the Centennial, and constructed by general contractor Richard J. Dobbins. Throughout the 20th century, it housed the School of Industrial Art, the Pennsylvania Museum, and the Fairmount Parks Commission. From 2006-2008, the building was renovated to house Please Touch Museum. It was placed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
 
K&H was retained by Please Touch Museum to complete an assessment and leak investigation of the historic dome, prompted by ongoing reports of water intrusion. K&H conducted a document review, a visual and hands-on investigation of the dome, supporting structure, and interior finishes, and performed limited water testing at representative areas of the dome and surrounding roof. Due to the high cost of accessing the upper levels of the dome, K&H developed a cost-effective approach to assess exterior and interior areas, which included rope and life-line access and drone survey. The assessment and leak investigation identified sources of active and potential water intrusion, as well as localized deterioration of the waterproofing membrane applied in 2016. K&H collaborated closely with Museum staff to work around the Museum’s operating hours and event schedule, completing the work without impeding visitation or special events.
 
K&H was entrusted by the Client to provide architectural engineering services for a condition assessment and leak investigation, including a hands-on visual survey and water testing, and development of a repair program and engineering opinion of cost. K&H collaborated with contractors to strategically and economically access the exterior and interior of the dome to identify potential points of water infiltration and deficiencies in the dome’s complex construction. A repair program was designed in phases to prioritize the cessation of active water infiltration, economize repairs during mobilization, and prolong the longevity of the structure.