Unique Restoration Projects

Find Solutions for Unusual Restorations

Delhi Springhouse

Owner: Delhi Township Board of Trustees
Architect: John Shueler, RA, Preservation Architecture Services Team

Cincinnati, OH

This stone springhouse and the spring inside were significant during the early settlement of the western side of Cincinnati.

The restoration involved first photographing, mapping, and numbering each stone, then completely dismantling the building and surrounding retaining walls, excavating and re-grading the area to provide parking, installing reinforced footers, and then reconstructing the building and walls, stone by stone.

The roof was replaced with a timber frame structure replicating the original. Old timber doors and windows were repaired or replicated, and the spring is once again allowed to flow as it has for centuries, but without causing an impediment to foot or road traffic (and with a specially constructed channel to allow safe passage of endangered cave salamanders).

This project was completed in 2005 and received a preservation award from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.

Before

After

Backyard Observatory Relocation

Privately Owned

Waynesville, OH

One of our more fun projects recently was to move a client's observatory from one place in his backyard to another. The observatory's retractable roof and view of the sky had been obstructed by an adjacent larger building, so the owner asked if we could move the small observatory to a more open area of his property.

Taking on the challenge, we modified one of our company hay wagons (the details of which are a trade secret) and were able to simply tow the building to its new location.

Once it was placed back on the ground on secure footing, we built rails and a supporting structure for the retractable roof in its open position. We also cast a concrete pier for the telescope mount and prepared the building for regular use.

The owner is quite pleased with his new view of the night sky!

Trinity United Church of Christ

Owner: Trinity Church
Architect: Bruce Goetzman, AIA, Preservation Architecture Services Team

Miamisburg, OH

Over a period of about three years, we participated in a major restoration and upgrade, preparing this fine church building for its second century of use.

The project involved going over practically every square foot of the old half of the building, making structural and cosmetic repairs, strengthening the steeple and bell carriage, custom-making an iron staircase for the steeple, cleaning and strengthening stained-glass windows, repositioning interior stained-glass windows (and designing and building an effective backlighting system), replicating and restoring woodwork and finishes, reinforcing the curved sanctuary ceiling, repairing plaster, painting and preparing for stenciling of the sanctuary walls and ceiling, an extensive electrical and lighting upgrade, as well as installation of a concealed retractable projection screen, preserving the historic sanctuary's appearance while allowing for a contemporary service.

Raptor Mew at Aullwood Audubon Center

Owner: Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm 

Dayton, OH

When Aullwood contacted us about helping to construct a mew for their raptors, we were happy to help. Staff had ideas for building a structure to humanely house their captive raptors, and Ken worked with Aullwood's volunteers and staff to construct this mew.

It was built to have a low profile and to blend in with the surrounding historic buildings and natural settings. Additionally, we regularly perform maintenance on Aullwood's barns, nature center, and outbuildings.

WWI Howitzer

Owner: City of Dayton, OH

Dayton, OH

One of our most unusual projects has been the restoration of the Ridge Avenue Bridge WWI Howitzer for the city of Dayton. This cannon was placed at the bridge as a monument to local soldiers who mustered near the site during WWI.

This French 75 gun was never prepared for display outdoors and was severely rusted and deteriorated. The firing pin and breach were rusted beyond repair and it was necessary to remove the barrel in order to sandblast and paint all exposed surfaces.

We are grateful for the assistance and expertise provided by Bond Machinery and Legacy Finishing, both of Franklin, OH.

Before

Andy and Rob working on the brake

Color Guard at the ribbon cutting ceremony

Shaker Style Oak Table

Private Residence

Warren County, OH

This large oak table base was made from reclaimed quartersawn and truck bed white oak. The table top was made with re-sawn white oak timbers from the Stubbs Mill and Ice House in Waynesville, Ohio. Bruce researched Shaker furniture-making techniques and used traditional joinery to construct this very sturdy family dining table.