This season, Senate House State Historic Site located on Fair Street in Kingston, NY, is undergoing a large capital restoration project. During the Revolutionary War, New York’s First Constitutional Convention met here, where it adopted the first New York State Constitution on April 20th, 1777.
Because of the restoration, tours and museum visitation at Senate House are suspended until further notice, and visitors to the site see lots of activity, equipment, and fencing.
The major elements of the project include replacement of the cedar shake roof and re-pointing the masonry on Senate House, window restoration and porch repair for the Senate House Museum, and a new drainage system for both buildings.
One of the important pieces of the project happening right now, is the restoration and re-pointing of the mortar on Senate House.
Over time, mortar joints age and crack, hampering the stability of the structure and making it more susceptible to water infiltration. Mortar restoration, like all restoration, involves careful research and examination of the building.
Senate House has been constructed in several different phases over its lifespan, with multiple repairs having been done over the years. This means that mortar samples are taken from multiple areas to determine the appropriate type of mortar to be used in the restoration.
Color, aggregates, and composition of the samples are all studied to try to match what is felt to be original mortar on any given section.
While that is happening, damaged and failing mortar joints are carefully removed, with caution not to compromise structural integrity, or damage any of the original stone or brick. Mortar mixes are refined and tested. Then, re-pointing can begin.
Skilled restoration masons examine the techniques and styles of the original pointing and work to recreate those when they fill in the joints. The result is a more secure building with a more historically accurate appearance.
The general contractor on this project, PCC Construction, is a masonry firm with a background in historic preservation.
Due to ongoing restoration, guided house tours and museum access are suspended until further notice. However, the grounds are open from dawn until dusk, and outreach programs, special events, and more are still ongoing.
Learn more about Senate House at their website.
Read about New York’s concrete industry history.
Photos provided.
Source link
