Improving the Performance and Aesthetics of 120-Year-Old Landmark

Project Background

• Constructed in 1894, the courthouse was designed by Wagner & Reitmeyer Architects and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978
• The mass masonry walls that make up the courthouse consist of multiple wythes of brick; the outer wythe of brick is corbelled at select locations throughout the facade of the courthouse, creating an architecturally appealing banded appearance
• A stone plinth is located at the base of the building and provides the distinguished appearance of the brick masonry of the building sitting on an elevated base

Project Challenges

• Many years of water infiltration with limited long-term preservation-type repairs led to cyclical deterioration of building elements
• Minimizing disruptions to courthouse activities and occupants required careful planning, phasing, working hours, and noise/dust control
• Replacement of select roofing was completed simultaneously with masonry repairs; MPS coordinated this work with the roofing contractor as access via MPS scaffolding was required

Project Approach

• MPS completed a masonry evaluation of the building’s facade and provided detailed recommendations to address masonry deficiencies
• A phased design and restoration strategy ensured that the project remained on schedule; provided long-term, high-quality repairs; minimized future maintenance; and limited the impact of construction on building occupants
• MPS designed, erected, and maintained system scaffolding to safely complete 100% brick repointing, select deteriorated brick replacement, and remedial masonry anchor installation
• Rebuilding of corbelled brick was required at multiple locations due to deteriorated masonry condition; at all corbelled locations, new metal flashing was installed
• Finials at the top of the building’s tower and entrance locations were repaired as the original soldered joints were deteriorated at many locations; severely deteriorated finials were replaced with custom lead-coated copper finials fabricated by MPS
• The installation of structural truss tie rods was required to ensure stability of the building’s roof assembly