preserving what was. strengthening what is.
what we keep in mind when preserving historic places
1. respect for original design
historic character, materials, proportions, and profiles guide every decision—repairs should blend in, not stand out.
2. structural safety comes first
we prioritize life safety and long‑term stability, especially where hidden deterioration or storm damage is involved.
3. minimal visual impact
whenever possible, structural solutions are concealed, reinforced from within, or designed to avoid visible change.
4. continued function
many historic buildings still serve the 世界杯足球比赛预选赛
. designs account for occupants, operations, and phased construction.
5. durability for the future
modern materials and detailing are used thoughtfully to extend service life and reduce future deterioration.
6. thorough investigation
detailed assessments—often uncovering concealed damage—inform right‑sized, targeted solutions rather than over‑repair.
7. balance, not compromise
each project weighs preservation goals against modern performance, codes, and resilience needs.
historic polk county courthouse – des moines
project focus: structural reinforcement of a 1906 courthouse while maintaining daily operations.
the need: a historic courthouse showed hidden structural deficiencies that required repair without shutting down court functions.
what we did:
- performed a detailed structural assessment to identify concealed issues
- designed targeted structural reinforcements within historic building systems
- strengthened key structural elements without altering historic spaces
- supported construction sequencing that allowed the courthouse to remain in use
built in 1906, the courthouse has served polk county for more than a century while remaining in active use.
iowa state capitol – gold dome restoration
project focus: structural preservation of one of iowa’s most iconic landmarks.
the need: moisture infiltration inside the gold dome caused corrosion and masonry deterioration that threatened long‑term stability.
what we did:
- assessed iron and masonry components concealed within the dome
- designed structural repairs to address corrosion and moisture damage
- reinforced iron framing using historically sensitive techniques
- repaired deteriorated masonry without visible changes to the exterior dome
the central dome rises 275 feet above the ground floor and is covered in 23‑carat gold leaf.
webster county courthouse – fort dodge
project focus: clock tower and roof restoration following storm damage and long‑term water exposure.
the need: storm damage and water infiltration compromised the clock tower, roof systems, and internal structure.
what we did:
- conducted detailed inspections to uncover hidden structural and moisture damage
- designed structural repairs to stabilize the clock tower framing
- reconstructed roof systems to stop ongoing water infiltration
- restored historic copper elements while improving long‑term durability
dedicated in 1902, the courthouse clock tower is listed on the national register of historic places.
marshall county courthouse – marshalltown
project focus: structural restoration following severe tornado damage.
the need: an ef‑3 tornado severely damaged the courthouse dome, spire, and clock tower, requiring rapid but historically sensitive repairs.
what we did:
- performed a comprehensive structural damage assessment
- determined the original wood dome was too damaged to be salvaged
- designed a new steel dome to match historic profiles
- improved structural resilience while preserving historic character
the courthouse was struck by an ef‑3 tornado in 2018, with winds exceeding 140 mph.
eureka bridge – greene county
project focus: rehabilitation and widening of a historic 1912 concrete arch bridge while preserving its character.
the need: the narrow historic bridge no longer met modern roadway standards and had structural limitations, prompting evaluation of replacement versus rehabilitation.
what we did:
- performed structural analysis to evaluate rehabilitation feasibility
- designed a widening solution by extending piers and abutments to the south
- replaced the existing deck system to improve load capacity and longevity
- maintained and replicated historic architectural features, including railings
- incorporated modern safety elements while preserving the bridge’s historic appearance
built in 1912, the bridge is part of the historic lincoln highway corridor and is listed on the national register of historic places.
