Preservation & Restoration of Historic Masonry Structures – Honoring Design Legacy

Speaker: Peter Babaian, PE, SE, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Historic masonry buildings are enduring symbols of craftsmanship, culture, and community. Preserving these structures requires a thoughtful balance between maintaining historic character and addressing modern performance, safety, and durability requirements. This seminar explores the principles and best practices of historic masonry preservation and restoration, including condition assessment, material selection, compatible repair techniques, and compliance with preservation standards. Through project examples, participants will gain practical strategies for extending the life of historic masonry while honoring the original design intent and architectural legacy.

1. Identify common forms of deterioration in historic masonry structures and evaluate appropriate methods for assessing existing conditions.
2. Explain the importance of selecting compatible masonry materials and repair techniques that preserve the original character and performance of historic construction.
3. Recognize key preservation principles, standards, and guidelines that influence the restoration of historic masonry buildings.
4. Apply practical strategies for planning masonry restoration projects that balance structural performance, durability, and long-term preservation of architectural significance.