VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION MAKES PLANS TO PRESERVE ORIGINAL BRICK OF THE 1895

Preservation plans will reduce costs and improve sustainability.

ROCKDALE, TX, OCTOBER 27, 2021 – For the past few months, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation has been consulting with Architect Stan Graves of Architexas, Senior Engineer Robert Chamra of Building Diagnostics, and Brick Mason Curtis Hunt IV of Traditional Masonry Restoration in Victoria to devise plans to preserve the 1895 City Hall’s original brick. As the Foundation explores options to restore the exterior of the building, the primary concern is how to preserve the original brick once the 1939 stucco is removed. “The brick itself is part of the history of the building and our community,” explains the Foundation’s Historical Chair Geri Burnett. “We have discovered documentation in 1890s City Council minutes annotating the purchase of much of the brick from Rockdale Brick Works – a business owned by one of Rockdale’s early settlers, Ben Lowenstein, who had immigrated from Prussia.” Working with Robert Chamra, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation has been evaluating the effect of removing the stucco from the exterior of the brick and preserving the brick and mortar. “We are pleased with the condition of the brick beneath the sections of stucco we have removed and admire the original Old World construction technique which has contributed to the continued structural integrity of the building,” explained Chamra. “The walls are constructed with 3 layers (wythes) of brick that are interlocked with rowlock courses, but the challenge is protecting the outer brick once the stucco is removed since it results in losing the face of the brick. The resulting brick surface is porous and friable (easily crumbled) and in need of treatment to restore the integrity of the brick.” Consulting with Chance Lynch, a manufacturer’s representative for PROSOCO, test patches of three water repellent treatments were applied to see which performed best on The 1895’s porous exposed brick surface. “The application of PROSOCO’s Sure Klean Weather Seal H40 consolidated the friable brick and mortar surfaces and provided water repellency to limit water absorption and staining.” explained Chamra.

“H40 is a deep-penetrating water repellent and consolidation treatment,” stated PROSOCO’s Lynch. “It protects against deterioration caused by moisture and waterborne contaminants seeping into the brick and strengthens the surface and soft mortar joints due to the consolidant’s 21% solids penetrating into the brick.” Hunt, a fifth-generation brick mason, worked with his father, Curtis Hunt III of Curtis Hunt Restorations, to remove the stucco and restore the brick on the Wharton County Courthouse and is also familiar with the PROSOCO product. “We are pleased with the team we have assembled to help us restore the exterior of The 1895,” expressed Chairman & Managing Director Collier Perry. “We are very encouraged that not only will they help us preserve the original brick, their preservation approach will reduce our carbon footprint and save the Foundation millions of dollars versus re-bricking the entire building.” Vision Historic Preservation Foundation launched its fundraising campaign in October, and will also host a series of events beginning in December, to raise funds to restore The 1895 City Hall Building. For more info or to donate, visit www.VisionRockdale.org.

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The Mission of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is to enrich the arts & cultivate economic development by restoring the historic 1895 City Hall for the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Rockdale.

Our Vision is to act as a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Rockdale by:

* Preserving the historical significance of The 1895.

* Creating new purpose and attracting businesses to the Development.

* Inspiring a culture of art, commerce and tourism for residents and visitors.

* Enhancing the success of all area businesses and enriching the lives of our citizens.

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For more information about Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s 1895 City Hall project, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org