The Witmer Group has accomplished an extensive masonry restoration project on The Forum Building, a cherished historical landmark, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
“The historic Forum Building is located adjacent to the Pennsylvania State Library in the Capitol complex. The building was designed by architects William Gehron and Sidney Ross. The Forum building was dedicated on September 16, 1931. The building is constructed primarily of gray limestone. There are 22 bronze doors designed by Lee Lawrie. They are cast with figures depicting “man’s creative and re-creative occupations. Inscribed above each doorway are famous mottos from our nation’s past. On the outside cornice of the building are noted names of Pennsylvania educators, philanthropists and statesmen. On the eaves above those names are sculptured copper owls by Carl Paul Jennewein. There are eight varieties of marble from Africa, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Tennessee, and Vermont. The designers of the wall and ceiling murals, Eric Gugler and Richard Brooks, wanted to depict the march of progress of mankind and the overwhelming majesty of the heavens. The maps and adjacent tablets on the upper promenade walls commemorate the socially-significant individuals who made famous the great period of each particular locale. The ceiling was painted on individual canvas sections and decorated with constellations and depictions from the Zodiac. More than one thousand stars are shown in their proper position.”
The Witmer Group is proud to have been selected to provide top-quality restoration services that include a wide range of services. These services involved limestone crack repairs, cleaning, spall repair, precise limestone tooling, structural concrete repairs, and more.
We extend our sincerest appreciation to Wohlsen Construction Company for their outstanding partnership and leadership throughout the duration of this project.
Historical marks credited to: https://www.dgs.pa.gov/…/Special%20….
