Sometimes a project seems so obvious that in retrospect, it becomes an embarrassment for all those who didn’t see its potential earlier. Such is true with the Seaport redevelopment in Boston Harbor, a stunningly well-placed area, that began as a landfill in the 1860s to create a harbor-front railyard.

The area was initially chosen for its proximity to arriving ships and the city is now a desired location for its stunning views and convenient access to roads, mass transit, downtown and the airport. The famous (and infamous) “Big-Dig” project of the early 2000’s created much improved access to the Seaport district and triggered its explosive redevelopment from parking and storage lots to the largest private investment project in Boston’s history.

The latest phase of the multibillion-dollar Seaport redevelopment is the Fan Pier, whose name comes from the fan shape of railroad roundhouses common back when the area was originally created. Fan Pier is home to several multi-use high rises, the latest being 10 Fan Pier Boulevard, a 17 story, 320,000 square foot tower with residential, office and commercial space.

Literally jumping distance from the sea water of Boston Harbor, corrosion was a real concern with Boston’s wet, cold, maritime climate. This was of particular concern to the specifiers for the 110 tons of exposed roof top structures including vanity screening that would be acutely visible from surrounding buildings. With its enviable track record of reliable long service life and unbeatable cost to benefit ratio, hot-dip galvanizing was chosen after careful study of the alternatives.

An additional challenge to steel fabricator and galvanizer alike was the complex shape of the screening structures. Individual pieces had multiple curves which made complete, aesthetically pleasing coatings a challenge. The depth of experience of both the galvanizer and fabricator allowed for strategic venting and drainage design while respecting all architectural considerations. The extra-large baths and leading-edge process control systems of the galvanizer allowed not only the best theoretical dipping methods to be envisioned but also ensured they actually occurred with each dip.

The result is a roof structure that satisfied all the aesthetic and performance goals established by the ownership team at a cost that no alternative to hot-dip galvanized steel could match. Decades from now the tenants and the landlord of 10 Fan Pier Boulevard will likely never give a thought to the rooftop structures of their building or the silent but true protective power of hot-dip galvanizing. Isn’t that exactly the way it should be?