The Hager Building – Masonry Restoration Solution
The Investigation
The Hager Building, built in 1910 on West King Street in downtown Lancaster, was designed by the notable local Architect C. Emlen Urban. Upon extensive investigative services by The Witmer Group, it was found that the building facade was at a critical point where repairs were unavoidable.
The Solution
The Witmer Group provided solutions that would resist the elements for years to come, and bring the building back to its natural life and aesthetic.
Our team began by cleaning the facade to remove atmospheric and biological staining. Many of the terra cotta pieces were broken, chipped and/or cracked. These pieces were repaired, replaced, or rebuilt of repair material that was carved to the shape of the original piece. Mortar joints were in various stages of deterioration, many missing or with large voids, with several portions of the building envelope beneath either corroding, or laden with mold. Deteriorated mortar joints were removed, prepped, then replaced to be water tight. All terra cotta surfaces were thoroughly cleaned at the completion of restorative work, followed by a careful re-glaze to resist the elements.
The Results
The Hager Building is a cherished highlight of the vibrant downtown Lancaster, adjacent to the legendary Central Market. The building is an elegant representative of the complexities of decorative terra cotta.