The Complexities of Fixing Historic Buildings

Historic buildings hold cultural, personal, and historical importance. This importance is preserved through the building itself and the art or architectural features within it.

Of course, every historic building will require maintenance eventually. Even the most robust structures may experience wear and tear that endangers their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. 

When it becomes necessary to restore a historic building, you might find that the solution isn't straightforward.

Continue reading to discover more about restoring historic buildings and the factors you need to consider in the process.

What Kind of "Fixing" Does Your Historic Building Need?

Assess the current project. It's crucial to differentiate the various treatments a historic building might require.

This will enable you to gauge the extent of work your treatment will necessitate. Consequently, you can establish a suitable budget for the project and identify the specialists to engage.

Historic Preservation

Preserving a building involves concentrating on the upkeep or restoration of current historic structures and materials. This includes both the original elements of the building and those that have developed over time.

Historic Rehabilitation 

To accommodate evolving needs or uses over time, some historic buildings must undergo changes. Rehabilitation aims to modify or enhance the building in its current state while preserving its historic appearance or features.

Historic Restoration 

Envision a historic structure that has experienced various phases throughout its existence. Many of its current features are modern or indicative of a time long after the building was initially constructed.

Restoration aims to eliminate all signs of these anachronisms, returning the building to its original splendor and appearance.

Historic Reconstruction

Reconstruction is frequently the most significant challenge that caretakers of historic buildings encounter. It suggests that parts of the building have been destroyed or are severely deteriorated. These areas are then restored to closely match their original form.

Common Fixes Historic Buildings Need

While every historic building has its own distinct characteristics, there are common repairs they often require. Let's explore some of those restoration methods that necessitate the expertise of a specialist.

Traditional Plaster Restoration

Throughout our nation's history, plaster has been the traditional material for finishing interior walls. From the mixing process to the application technique, plastering is a hallmark of the original architects and designers involved in the building's construction.

When plaster is severely cracked or damaged, it might be tempting to remove it and install sheetrock.

However, historic plaster is durable and contributes more to the building's structural integrity than you might think. Completely replacing it is also costly.

Instead, collaborate with specialists who can restore damaged plaster. The restored plaster should maintain the same appearance and texture as the original, despite the new layer.

Painting and Design Work

Historic buildings, particularly churches, frequently feature intricate murals and painted designs that adorn their walls. It's uncommon to find modern structures with ceilings adorned with handpainted patterns. The era of expansive scenes stretching across arching walls has passed.

As these painted areas begin to fade, the history they embody starts to disappear. Painters skilled in church restorations can restore these areas, bringing back their vibrancy while preserving the original appearance of the paintwork.

Statuary Restoration

Similar to murals and painted ceilings, statues are instrumental in preserving the history and cultural importance of a historic building. Nonetheless, their restoration demands meticulous cleaning and delicate repair efforts. 

Is it necessary to polish the marble and eliminate years of accumulated grime? Should paint be reapplied, or do specific sections require recasting? Involving a specialist is essential.

Is The Building on the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Historic Preservation Act was enacted in 1966 as a response to the shortcomings of the Historic American Building Survey. The HABS had recorded over 12,000 historic sites in America, but by the 1960s, half of these sites were either destroyed or in poor condition. 

The National Historic Preservation Act aimed to establish a broader, more cohesive effort to preserve our nation's history. It created the National Register of Historic Places.

If your historic building is listed on the NRHP, you might have access to various resources that could simplify your project and enhance your budget! 

Keep in mind that you are not necessarily restricted by federal laws regarding the modifications you can make to the site. However, authenticity is a key factor in determining which sites are included on the NRHP. Has the building been preserved, and does it effectively convey the history it represents?

Therefore, it is important to collaborate with the right specialists who can perform the necessary repairs while maintaining the building's historical integrity.

Finding the Right Specialists 

The quality of restoring or preserving your historic building is intricately tied to the expertise and experience of the specialists you choose to work with. When it comes to the delicate art of restoration, especially for significant structures like historic churches, the knowledge, skills, and dedication of the professionals involved play a crucial role in ensuring that the integrity and beauty of the building are maintained. If you find yourself in need of restoration work on a historic church in Kansas City, Missouri, or indeed anywhere throughout the Midwest, we highly recommend considering the services offered by Ecclesiastical Studios & Sons.

Our dedicated and passionate small team is not only skilled in the technical aspects of restoration but also deeply committed to preserving the rich history and culture that our nation's churches embody. We understand that each historic church has its own unique story, architectural features, and community significance, and it is our mission to honor that legacy through our meticulous restoration practices. To ensure that we can cater to a wide range of budgets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, we provide our own scaffolding and other essential materials. This approach not only helps to reduce overall costs but also allows us to maintain control over the quality and safety of the materials used in the restoration process, which can often be prohibitively expensive if sourced through third parties.

We invite you to reach out to us to learn more about our comprehensive range of services, our availability for upcoming projects, and how we can assist you in preserving the beauty and historical significance of your church. Our team is eager to discuss your specific needs and to provide you with personalized solutions that align with your vision and budget. Contact us today to embark on this journey of restoration and preservation together.