In addition to a new roof, roof-level seismic improvements, installation of roof fall protection systems, and historic masonry repair, this renovation project included some unusual challenges related to the school’s historic but deteriorating chimney. The chimney required safety improvements, but construction was complicated by the fact that the chimney also serves as a seasonal roost site for a colony of Vaux’s Swifts beloved by the Portland community. In collaboration with stakeholders, our team designed seismic bracing for the chimney along with a new custom cast stone chimney cap that closely matches the original inside and out. Construction was timed to avoid disturbing the swifts during their migration, and it was gratifying to see the swift colony return shortly after construction was completed.