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The mission of the Historic Resources Committee (HRC) is to identify, understand, and preserve architectural heritage, both nationally and internationally. HRC is engaged in promoting the role of the historic architect within the profession through the development of information and knowledge among members, allied professional organizations, and the public.

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Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

  • 1.  Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 01-28-2017 10:25 AM
    I have been asked to help save a treasure.
    I am working on a rough budget cost to deconstruct a house-barn that is
    listed on the National Register, transport the building to a site about
    180 miles away, and reconstruct the building.
    I am doing this at no charge to a non-profit organization and could use
    any help I can get.
    Resources for cost data are needed.
    Daniel Stephans, AIA
    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 2.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 01-30-2017 05:52 PM
      |   view attached
    While I have been involved in adaptive use of historic barns, I have not had to relocate them. My most relevant experience was to move an historic house in close proximity to a busy thoroughfare up an adjoining hillside approximately 300 ft., which involved most of the considerations I suspect are involved in your project. I recommended that my client, a prominent attorney in Dandridge, TN, hire a "housemover" from Kentucky who was experienced with such projects. He simply jacked the two-story-house up, removed the foundation, threaded steel beams under the structure as a cradle, and moved the structure in steps up the slope. The move was successful and the plaster did not even crack. You will know, I'm sure, if this has any application to your project. If it does and you need assistance in locating such an experienced "housemover", I would be glad to give it a try.

    Good luck!              Gene Burr, AIA, AICP, 3621 Maloney Rd., Knoxville, TN 37920

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    Eugene Burr AIA
    Eugene E. Burr, AIA, AICP Architect-Planner
    Knoxville TN
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    Attachment(s)

    docx
    RESUME’.docx   126 KB 1 version
    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 3.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 01-31-2017 06:16 PM
    Robert Fuege, here in Texas that has purchased barns in Pennsylvania, transported them here, and reconstructed them. Here's his LinkedIn.
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-feuge-8a816261/
    --

    Rebecca Schenker, AIA
    Principal | Weave Architecture | 8151 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209 | 210-823-1270





    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 4.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-01-2017 05:46 PM
    It may have been best to leave Pennsylvania's historic barns in Pennsylvania.

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    Laurence Wilson AIA
    Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects
    Albany NY
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 5.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-02-2017 06:30 PM
    Maybe, but I think those barns were getting destroyed one way or
    another. In any case, he knows how to move a barn.


    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 6.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-01-2017 08:04 PM
    Ladies and Gentlemen !  Though listed as a Preservation Architect in New Jersey/Pennsylvania/Delaware, please don't take my comments as a final judgement:
    • Delaware Architects have been borrowing elements of heavy timber barns for well over sixty years, and employing them, (in this personal practice), from Virginia to Pennsylvania.  A major source has been abandoned barns in Lancaster County, Pa. and De.----thus, congrats to our Texan neighbors for recognizing the distinctive materials, evidenced hands on labor with that traditional joinery etc.----and for wide plank, finished floors, etc.   This practice has included restorative/adaptation of some five barns in- situ to homes.
    • Though only witnessing the move in entirety of heavy timber/stone historic structures, one requiring the removal of a hill to allow passage, one should heed caution in accurate resetting, accept uneven settling, and know the historically correct cement lime mortar mix in patching.  Do not attempt jack the inconsistent wall to new foundation, and  hire a specialist structural engineer most familiar with this type of building.
    • Make adequate clearances for new HVAC, Plumbing, electrical, etc.  The recent employment of multi zoned, thin tube HVAC systems have proven very successful vice traditional flex duct.
    • In thinking preservation/restoration of historic dwelling units, seek out the history of earlier occupants, their life styles, etc. and how they might transition to the present, yet retaining the building's basic scale, detail, even later exterior modifications (widow walks, shutters, etc---yet, staying clear of aluminum doors, plastic siding-----avoiding by ones historic and common sense.)  Historic residential structures sitting dead to use will, ultimately, die, particularly, when and if you are out of money.
    • Is the structure you are cannibalizing/even removing the entirety, a needed landmark to the local Community ?  Though a barn, a tower, etc.-----do not tear it down.
    Good Luck------     Charlie Weymouth, AIA 
    Since 1968- Weymouth Architects and Planners
    Wilmington, De.  19806-2121



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 7.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-01-2017 09:07 AM
    I happen to teach a course at Yestermorrow Design / Build School in VT called Design for Deconstruction and Reconstruction. Not exactly the same, in that case to deconstruct something that is end of its life and design and build using as much of the maximally recovered materials as possible in some new small structure. Have also spent fair amount of time last 20 years doing costs/labor studies of deconstruction to recover as much materials as possible from mainly dilapidated structures.

    Per costs you may wish to look at RS Means which now has a category for Deconstruction costs and for relocation. I know it is crude however can give you initial ballpark - using the location indexes. As you may know the costs for relocation are high and main constraints are width and height limits of whole or "modules" you might be able to make from the existing building for transport. If you have time constraints then relocation is probably only option. If have cost constraints then deconstruction and reconstruction can be beneficial not just for the ease of transport however of course some partial or whole disassembly is the opportunity to repair and replace damage. I would recommend that you look up in your area for any deconstruction services which are most often non-profits - buyer beware - they might use semi-skilled or volunteer labor that would not have the complete understanding of taking things apart like they own it and you have the issue of intrinsic damage from the construction process and life - buildings are not typically designed to be reasonably dismantled anyway.

    One rule of thumb is that human labor is relatively cheap however slow compared to machine labor (cranes, etc.) which in turn are very expensive however fast and of course never as nuanced as human hands. As someone else noted - depending upon the condition of the building you might deconstruct some components only to find they cease existing as a viable component - whereas if left in situ they might keep going for a while. I guess main question is what the opportunity or goals to achieve - do you wish to actually restore the building the building or simply maintain it?
     
    Brad Guy, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C Associate Director Center for Building Stewardship Assistant Professor School of Architecture and Planning The Catholic University of America Washington, DC 20064 c. 814-571-8659 GUY@cua.edu



    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 8.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-01-2017 10:05 AM
    That's good advice from Gene Burr about hiring a building mover. We've been involved in moving a couple of buildings intact above the foundation. Saves money and less loss of integrity. Admittedly, the distances were no where near 180 miles.of your project. 

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    Ward Bucher AIA
    Principal
    Encore Sustainable Design LLC
    Easton MD
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 9.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 01-30-2017 06:01 PM
    Daniel,

    What you describe is possible, though there are many implications that would require a lot more information.  Generally, if you move a structure from its original location it loses its historic value and may forfeit its National Register designation.  Also, depending on the size, you may actually be able to move the structure in pieces.  Though house moving is a very specialized business, it may be the best way to proceed.  A complete disassembly of a historic building may be possible, but the size, age, and nature of the building would determine if this is a viable or cost effective alternative.

    At some point, unless theres' significant sentimental or historic value, I would suggest you also compare the cost of moving and reconstruction to simply recreating the old building with new materials on the new site.  Considering the effort involved in the move, it is unlikely there will be any savings, so calculating the premium involved may help determine whether the move is a viable option.

    If you wish to send me more information, our firm works with churches and non-profits as a specialty.  I'd be happy to visit with you off line to answer more questions.  

    Ben Heimsath
    cbh@heimsath.com
    (512) 478-1621

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    Ben Heimsath AIA
    Principal
    Heimsath Architects
    Austin TX
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 10.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 01-30-2017 06:12 PM
    Daniel - Over 20 years ago I worked with a museum to deconstruct two Japanese Internment Camp Barracks in Wyoming for reassembly in Los Angeles.  What you suggest is, no doubt, possible.  The most important thing to do is clearly identify what is significant about what you are deconstructing, since the act WILL damage the structure.  Then carefully assess where the damage will be least important. 

    For example, the barracks were very deteriorated, but that deterioration was considered an important feature.  Since the walls were constructed with battens, we were able to remove an occasional batten, and saw the walls into manageable sections without losing rusty exposed nails or torn tarpaper.  All we had to do was reinstall the battens and no one was the wiser. 

    Obviously, documentation is critical.  You can not possibly take too many photos!  And be careful to determine the best way to utilize labor versus equipment.  In my case, I had dozens of willing volunteers so did almost everything by brute labor.  But there is no question that a forklift or crane could have made things go faster.

    Good Luck

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    James McElwain AIA
    College Architect
    University of Southern California
    Los Angeles CA
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 11.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-01-2017 11:52 AM
    Is this the Wisconsin Dan Stephens?  If so, give me a call.  There's some guys in Two Rivers area that take down old barns, but I'm not sure if they can put them back up again.  Also, there's a guy up in Green Bay that's taken down and re-built some log cabins.  Not sure if he'd be interested in doing a barn.  

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    Jennifer Lehrke, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
    Principal Architect - Historic Preservation Consultant
    Legacy Architecture Inc.
    Sheboygan, WI
    (920) 783-6303
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 12.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 01-31-2017 06:42 PM
    Daniel: If you propose to move the house/barn in pieces of any significant size, be aware that, depending upon the locale, route, utilities, etc. the bulk of the costs could be in 1) dealing with overhead power lines, and 2) traffic management (police, etc.) I've interviewed numerous movers over the years and they all say the actual work is child's play compared to these 'hidden costs." Put the International Association of Structural Movers (www.iasm.org) on your call list. If you're in New England, barn moving/relocation is somewhat of a lively industry. Hope this helps. -G

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    Gordon Bock
    Principal
    National Archives Associates
    Kensington MD
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West


  • 13.  RE: Deconstruction of an historic building and reconstruction of that building

    Posted 02-01-2017 09:09 AM
    Daniel, We have a company locally in Farmington, NY, New Energy Works, which does a lot of work that sounds like your project.  They have a timberframing division, a lumber reclaiming division and a millwork division.  They do work all over the country.  The founder, Jonathan Orpin has his heart in the right place.  If your immediate goal is to develop a budget estimate, i think they could help.  You can reach Jonathan at:jonathan@newenergyworks.com

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    William DeVos AIA
    Project Manager
    APD Engineering & Architecture, PLLC
    Rochester NY
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    2024 HRC Taliesin West