Calendar

This interactive session explores the art and practice of architectural stone masonry and its application in historic buildings throughout the DMV region. Project managers and skilled stone masons from Lorton Stone will introduce participants to the role of architectural stone in the built environment and discuss common repair techniques, including crack repairs, dutchman repairs, mortar repairs, and full stone replacement. Through examples of recent restoration projects, attendees will gain insight into the craftsmanship and expertise required to preserve historic masonry.

The program will then transition to a case study of the ongoing restoration of Baltimore City Hall, where architects, preservation professionals, and stone masons have collaborated for nearly a decade to restore the building's historic marble façade. The session concludes with a live stone carving demonstration, followed by an opportunity for attendees to try carving stone themselves using a pneumatic chisel under the guidance of experienced artisans.

Presented by: Christine Djuric (christine.djuric@baltimorecity.gov); Carmen Bouzas (carmen@lortonstone.com); Ivan Sierio (ivan@lortonstone.com)

Learning Objectives:

Learning objective 1: Describe common architectural stone repair techniques, including crack repairs, mortar repairs, dutchman repairs, and full stone replacement, and identify appropriate applications for each.

Learning objective 2: Evaluate how stone deterioration impacts façade performance, public safety, and preservation of historic structures.

Learning objective 3: Compare the advantages and limitations of various stone repair strategies and their effect on long-term building durability and maintenance.

Learning objective 4: Analyze the Baltimore City Hall restoration project to understand how preservation and repair decisions support building envelope performance, historical integrity, and occupant/public welfare.