PHASE I RESTORATION OF MONUMENTAL CHURCH
	Supported in part by a Save America's Treasures Grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior

Overview of Phase I (Exterior) Restoration

Monumental Church before exterior restoration

Monumental Church after exterior restoration

Exterior Roof Restoration

Pontorno Roofing, Inc. workers remove the old gutter system.

Paul Pontorno shows placement of the new gutters. The new placement will create a profile that is flush with the building, similar to Robert Mills' original hidden gutter system.

Exterior Stucco Restoration

Johann Rudroff, Technical Advisor for Keim Farben, creates stucco test patches. Johann took time out from his restoration work at the White House to demonstrate his technique to workers at Monumental. Keim Stucco is being used to renovate the White House and was selected to be used at Monumental.

Frank Camden with Blue Ridge Restorations, Inc. carefully removes old non-compatible stucco.

Exterior Wood Restoration

Robert Lusko, wood conservator, examines a test area to determine readiness of paint remover.

Robert Lusko, hand sands the patched wood and preps it for priming.

Exterior Stone Restoration

Patching using Jahn Restoration Mortar.

Finished patched stone belt course.

Due to the inferior quality of Aquia sandstone and its exposure to the weather it is spalled and deteriorated. To correct these damaged areas, workers cut back the unsound stone to a solid base and used Jahn Restoration Mortar to replicate the original profile of the stone. After patching and repairing the sandstone on the front portico and belt courses the surfaces were coated with Keim mineral-based permanent paint.

Details of the Restoration
The Phase I exterior restoration of Monumental Church (1812), 1224 E. Broad Street, is finished. Phase I is the first of four phases to restore Monumental. The purpose of Phase I was to "seal the building envelope" and repair and prevent water infiltration. Work included roof restoration, stone restoration, wood restoration and the removal of all the non-compatible exterior stucco and the application of new stucco.

The building's restored white façade is a standout in downtown Richmond. Monumental is composed of stucco-covered brick with Aquia sandstone belt courses and an Aquia sandstone portico. Unfortunately, Aquia is an inferior sandstone and requires painting for protection and prevention of deterioration.

As part of the restoration Monumental was painted with a lime-based permanent coating system that will allow the building to breath. This new coat is responsible for the building’s brilliant white and historically accurate exterior. The White House, also composed of Aquia sandstone, was painted soon after completion for the same purpose.

Preservation Trades Company, (PTC) from Huntly, Virginia was hired for Phase I restoration work. PTC specializes in solving difficult restoration and preservation problems with technical expertise in stained glass, masonry, wood and metal. PTC’s well-trained artisans and craftsmen are highly skilled in every facet of historic restoration which includes deteriorated stone, cast stone and embellishments and repairing and replacing deteriorated and rotted wood work. This labor-intensive and tedious restoration work also includes related areas involving plaster, slate, tin or copper roofing, and stone or brick repointing. Waters is a strong proponent of using Jahn restoration mortar which was used at Monumental to repair the deteriorated sandstone. Jahn was developed by Cathedral Stone, Inc. and has virtually revolutionized stone repair and restoration. Dale Waters and PTC have completed several hundred historic and sacred property restorations, ranging from small rural chapels to massive urban cathedrals.

Phase I restoration costs were $1.3 million. Funding was paid for in part by a federal Save America’s Treasures (SAT) Grant from the National Park Service for $319,000. The SAT program requires a non-federal 1:1 match. HRF has raised the $319,000 match through grants from private foundations, gifts from individuals and in-kind donations. The SAT program “is dedicated to identifying and rescuing the enduring symbols of American tradition that define us an a nation.” The SAT program’s goal of “focusing public attention on the importance of our national heritage and the need to save our treasures at risk” has been realized in Phase I at Monumental.

HRF has begun to gear up for Phase II work which focuses on mechanical issues; HVAC, electrical, fire suppression and life safety issues. Phase II is estimated to cost $500,000+. Design work will begin by June 2004 with actual work estimated to begin by Fall 2004. Phase II mechanical systems are critical to sustaining the work completed in Phase I and to the building as a whole. The installation of air conditioning and a dehumidification system will stabilize the building by providing a regulated environment. The mechanical systems put in place in Phase II will ensure the longevity of the restoration of Phase III which focuses on the restoration of the interior surfaces (plaster, wood and paint). Phase IV will restore the grounds, the surrounding exterior brick walls and cast iron fencing, improve site drainage, and provide outside access to the basement crypt.

Restoration Contributors:
Funding for the Monument Replication Project, the documentary and the ongoing restoration of Monumental Church has been provided by the following:

Historic Richmond Foundation - The William Byrd Branch of APVA Preservation Virginia