Category Archives: Architectural Conservation

Master Moldmaker Reproduces Queen Theater Plaster Dome

Posted on March 3, 2016 by rtdgba

The historic 1880 Queen Theater in Wilmington, Delaware stood abandoned and neglected for the last half of its life, the elegant, thirty foot diameter plaster ceiling dome destroyed by water entry. As part of a $24 million dollar restoration of … Continue reading →

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National and Local Historic Districts are not the Same Animal

Posted on March 1, 2016 by rtdgba

Agricola Corporation of Chicopee, Massachusetts documented numerous buildings and sites in Plympton Center in order to secure its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This nomination is recognition of the importance of the district to the history of … Continue reading →

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Reproduction Curved Crown Moldings, for Queen Anne Residence.

Posted on February 25, 2016 by rtdgba

Native Woods Restoration Carpentry of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania did the restoration of this 1880 Queen Anne residence. In particular, reproduction of these distinctive curved “ovolo” crown moldings required a great deal of patience. Period architects and carpenters were not afraid of … Continue reading →

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Fully Restored Colonial Residence Unchanged Since 1750

Posted on February 18, 2016 by rtdgba

First Period Colonial Preservation/Restoration of Kingston, New Hampshire executed a complete restoration to this nearly original 1730 residence in Danville, NH. The building is not quite as built. In 1750 the owners added an addition along the back, presumably in … Continue reading →

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Historic Building Conservators, the Conservative Option.

Posted on February 16, 2016 by rtdgba

Is restoration a slightly suspect word in the hierarchy of building maintenance methodology? The restorers have such a wealth of hands on experience that things generally go pretty well – – unless they don’t. It happens. Science and scholarship have … Continue reading →

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Reconstruction of Iconic Wrought Iron Gates in Multiple Metals.

Posted on January 28, 2016 by rtdgba

The historic and iconic 1886 Dakota building in New York City has been home to many celebrities over the years, most famously John Lennon, who was gunned down on the sidewalk at its south entrance. This entrance is a long … Continue reading →

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Victorian Wraparound Porch Parts Reproduction.

Posted on January 27, 2016 by rtdgba

The Victorians believed in the health benefits of getting plenty of fresh air, and their architecture reflected this in the wraparound porches, sleeping porches, second floor porches. Homes today are fully sealed, also promoted as a health measure. There is … Continue reading →

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Italianate Period Architecture, a Design Style Ahead of its Time

Posted on January 7, 2016 by rtdgba

HistoryTech – Historic Preservation Consulting of Lynchburg, Virginia worked to get Caryswood, an 1855 Italianate style farmhouse on the National Register of Historic Places based upon its historic significance, original historic fabric, and setting. The Italianate style has an open, modern feel … Continue reading →

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Restoration of Monumental Staved Columns on Courthouse, In Place

Posted on December 18, 2015 by rtdgba

Ironwood Restoration, LLC of Marlow, NH restored and finished the four massive columns on the Carroll County Courthouse in Ossipee. Not every period millwork item is worth restoration, past a certain point, unless it is historically significant. An exception to … Continue reading →

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An Effective Cleaning System for Delicate Interior Decorative Ornament.

Posted on December 15, 2015 by rtdgba

Historic Plaster Conservation Services (HPCS) Limited of Port Hope, Ontario are often tasked with executing delicate architectural conservation tasks at scale. Here, they cleaned 15,000 square feet of original paint and metallic gilt on a coffered ceiling in the 1930 … Continue reading →

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