Old Main preservation honored with 2014 Historic Restoration Award

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
December 11, 2014

Old Main roof restoration
Old Main undergoes roof restoration.

Texas State University has been honored by Preservation Texas with a 2014 Historic Restoration Award for the months-long project to repair and revitalize Old Main.  

The architect for the restoration was Craig Reynolds of BRW Architects and the contractor was Chad Barnes of Phillips May Corporation. Texas State Facilities oversaw the project.

The attention given to the iconic campus landmark during the preservation work was extensive. Most visible was the replacement of Old Main's signature maroon roof with lightning protection, which evoked an earlier period in the building's history. Other repairs were more subtle. Many bricks were replaced to match the existing façade, and the mortar was re-pointed in an historical manner. Limestone window sills were replaced to match color and texture of existing pieces while windows were removed and replaced while maintaining the original profiles. All of the work was completed while maintaining the appropriate respect for the building's historical style and materials.

About Preservation Texas

Preservation Texas is a private, nonprofit member-supported organization dedicated to protecting the historic resources of Texas. Its mission is to disseminate knowledge of the history, prehistory, heritage and culture of Texas; to engage in historical and archaeological research on the activities of past Texans; and to foster, encourage and develop a general appreciation and understanding of the accomplishments of past generations of Texans in order that the lives of present and future generations may be enriched. For more information, visit www.preservationtexas.org.