The Paul Findley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse located in Springfield Illinois, was constructed in 1930. The courthouse is clad in gray limestone with decorative terra-cotta crests, combining Federalist, Neoclassical, and Art Deco styles. The district courtroom is one of the most significant interior spaces remaining in the building, with classical styling in its wood door frames, walnut paneling, and decorative plaster ceiling. Currently used as both a federal courthouse and an office facility, the Findley building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978.
Recent inspections of the Paul Findley Federal Building discovered cracked, spalling and deteriorated terra cotta units along the structures parapet walls on all elevations. Netting was added to protect pedestrians and tenants below while plans were made to address the damage. Further inspection also uncovered damaged limestone and bricks that needed repair. Hydro-Tech, Inc. was hired as a design/build masonry restoration contractor due to our many years of experience with terra cotta and specialty masonry repairs. Drawings and specifications were created in keeping with required government historic preservation guidelines, and work began to restore the terra cotta, limestone and brick elements. Work included terra cotta removal, repair and re-glazing together with repair of structural backing materials, and the installation of new stainless through wall flashing, moisture weeps, joint sealants and anchoring.
Stone and brick repairs included dutchman repair, patching, washing, tuck-pointing and weatherproofing. Due to the location of the structure, scaffolding was fully enclosed in order to contain debris, dust, moisture and to ensure safety to tenant and pedestrian traffic below.
