This historic granite mansion in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood was originally constructed for Carl C. Heisen in 1890. This Chicago Landmark required extensive restoration over two years. The granite was carefully cleaned of atmospheric soiling. Tar was removed from the west elevation brick. Mortar was repointed 100% on the east elevation and partially on the west. On-site testing was undertaken in order to locate the original mortar behind layers of more modern material.
Once located, this material was matched in color, composition, and aggregate by USHG (U.S. Heritage Group, Inc). The original tooling profile on the granite joints was a bead profile. This bead joint was replicated only up to the second floor line, as this was a client preference.
The front entry granite stair had settled over the years form an inadequate foundation. In addition, the stairs did not meet modern code requirements. Luckily, the stone treads and solid railing wall were sized so that they could be reused if configured differently. The stair and low height retaining wall were dismantled, new footing and foundations installed, and rebuild with the original stone. All stone was mapped and tagged prior to removal to insure that each unit was laid in its original location. The retaining wall running east west was missing and stone was fabricated to match the original segments.
US Heritage Products & Services
Services
Repointing Mortar
Stone & Terra Cotta
Contact us with any questions. Also, visit our sister company Marion Restoration for additional information on historic restoration and preservation.