Luzerne County Courthouse |
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Stone is the most fundamental material used in the architectural world. Dating back to the Egyptians, stone is a valuable part of cultural heritage, therefore it is essential to preserve the applied material for future generations. By providing great attention to detail and care processes, skilled conservators are able to maintain the historical integrity of a building without damage. Proper restoration, conservation, and preservation of various types of architectural stones used in historical buildings is imperative for the longevity of these great structures.
Often used for decorative or practical reasons, each stone type has prominent features for various applications. John Canning & Co. provides this knowledge and expertise in every opportunity. The formation of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock is all reliant on proximity to natural sources like water, volcanoes, mountains, and other natural phenomenon. The formation of rock determines that type of stone. Stone types used most often in architectural projects are limestone, marble, sandstone and granite.
Some works by John Canning & Co. featuring our stone projects includes Union Station in Washington, DC. and the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wikes-Barre, PA. At Union Station we restored the historic masonry and finishes, which included the main and west hall walls made of White Granite from Bethel, Vermont. For the Luzerne Courthouse project, we conserved and restored all aspects of the courthouse’s historic fabric, including the botticino marble features.
The most common cause of deterioration in stone is moisture. In order to protect and care for historic stonework, it is important to perform routine assessments to determine proper cleaning and conservation efforts. Overtime, common issues like cracking, erosion, mortar deterioration, delamination, structural pressure, sugaring, and efflorescence can affect the prominent internal or external presentation layer of historic and sacred buildings. By developing a historic stone maintenance program, building owners and professional conservators alike are actively involved, held accountable, and become more knowledgeable of how to safely clean historic stone in the conservation and preservation process. The first step in developing a maintenance program is understanding the common characteristics of historic stone. Limestone, marble, sandstone and granite have all withstood the test of time - constantly luring world travelers to stand in awe and wonder at incredible structures all due to proper maintenance programs in the conservation and preservation process. To read more about historic stone, visit the links below.
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| Architectural and Exterior Gilding in College Chapels & Churches |
The process of adhering thin sheets of metal leafing, often gold, to the surface of any substrate to create an ornamental effect is called architectural gilding. Often found in churches and college chapels, this decorative paint technique conveys fine art, elegance, and magnificence. Our restoration and preservation professionals take great pride in beautifying architecture using metal leafing, some works include St. Mary’s Chapel – Boston College, Sterling Chapel – Yale University, and Christ Chapel – Hillsdale College. For more information about the John Canning & Co. process for Architectural and Exterior Gilding in College Chapels & Churches, select Read More.
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How to Make a Historic Stone Maintenance Program |
A historical record keeper and modern-day tool, stonework is a cornerstone of architecture. In order to preserve masonry, past and future, it is important to create a Historic Stone Maintenance Plan centralized around routine scheduled walk-throughs. Building owners and conservationists alike can perform this routine; being mindful to assess any deformations, lackluster appearances, or staining from environmental grime. If after assessment, further repair or cleaning is necessary, consider contacting a John Canning & Co. professional conservator with knowledge of stone types, finishes, and proper cleaning solutions. To learn about the DO’s and DON’Ts of historical stone cleaning and conservation, continue to our blog.
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Continuing the topic of stone, you might want to check out this article by Julia Mathias Manglitz, a Senior Preservation Architect that we have been fortunate to work with over the years.
“When you’re using a local stone product, you’re linking yourself to the history of construction within your particular region. It’s partly about place-making. It’s partly about the environment. And it’s partly thinking about durability for the next generation.”
Architect Julia Mathias Manglitz’s work includes several building types: country courthouses, state capitols, office buildings, university campus halls, and community centers all made of locally sourced limestone. She prefers to use locally or regionally-sourced natural stone over man-made stone to add structure and strength to historic preservation projects. Read More
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| Check out the latest Spring 2023 Natural Stone Institute – Building Stone Magazine.
On the cover of this issue features the 26-foot-wide limestone rendering of the Seal of Minneapolis, salvaged from its original home in the old Minneapolis Auditorium.
Disassembled into over 100 pieces and stored for decades, this historic seal’s strategic location on a two-story lobby wall metaphorically represents the city while bringing the public to the same level as the government within the new Minneapolis Public Service Building.
The association serves as the authoritative source for safety and technical standards and information regarding the use of natural stone. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Read More
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Just two months away from the 2023 Annual Association for Preservation Technology Conference, hosted in Seattle, WA this year. John Canning & Co. is once again a sponsor and will be in attendance looking to share our wealth of knowledge, techniques, and capabilities in the restoration, preservation, and conservation space. We look forward to networking with industry professionals, architects, and contractors while experiencing all the conference has to offer. Stop by our booth during the expo to say hello! Learn More
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John Canning & Co. would like to recognize several architects celebrating birthdays in the month of August – all of which our firm has had the opportunity to work within their profound architectural designs. Most notably are Robert Mills and Isaiah Rogers who both designed the neoclassical US Treasury Building in Washington D.C. in 1869. Our firm performed restoration and conservation work within the Cash Room and Northeast Dome
Other architects to celebrate this month are Charles Bulfinch – Connecticut Old State House, C. Howard Crane – State Theatre, Bay City MI, Patrick Keely – St. Patrick’s Parish, and Edward Clark – Iowa State Capital.
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Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok! |
When cleaning historic stone, it is important to use a gentle cleaning method to avoid damaging the stone’s surface. The cleaning method and tools are also determined by the type of stone and should always be tested on a less significant area of the work area before being fully applied. A latex poultice or latex based cleaner is a great low-impact, highly effective method for removing even the heaviest environmental grime from the surface.
Here we see the removal of the heavily applied latex poultice after it has spent two days soaking up all the environmental grime. To ensure all sediment and staining is removed, a soft moist sponge is used to wipe the surface. |
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We understand the importance in sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our Featured Downloadable Resource below.
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With this month’s discussion of historic stone, our feature downloadable resource is the Guide to Stone Restoration. This guide will provide insight into the different types of architectural stone, damage susceptibility, and professional methods to properly restore the material. It will also give owners an understanding of how to preserve the stone outside of professional services, to ensure a more beautiful and lasing building.
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APT 2023 Annual Conference October 9-14th Seattle, WA |
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As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved. |
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The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission. |
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION #PerfectingPreservation #jcanningcrew |
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