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Terra Cotta: History, Preservation Techniques, and Challenges

Tuesday, September 10, 2024
1:00 pm ET

This presentation will provide a brief history of the use of architectural terra cotta in the U.S. and focus on two of the remaining U.S. manufacturers of terra cotta for restoration projects. The timeline of terra cotta fabrication and the roles of different project team members will be discussed, along with the type of information that can be obtained during this process to help achieve a successful restoration project. This program is a follow-up to the original discussion held in 2023 to allow to more discussion and presentation time.

Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the terra cotta fabrication process.

  2. Identify common conditions of terra cotta on historic buildings.

  3. Become familiar with repair and replacement approaches in historic buildings.

  4. Gain knowledge in terra cotta masonry terms.

 

Registration Fees

Non-Members: $35
APT Members: $20
Emerging Professional Members: $15
Student Members: $10

1.5 LU/PDH Continuing Education Units

 

Speakers

Ed Gerns is a Senior Principal at Wiss, Janney, Elstner. As a project manager and project architect/engineer, Gerns is experienced in the investigation and repair of deteriorated conditions in existing buildings. Primarily focusing on historic building facades, he performs evaluations of brick, terra cotta, and stone masonry, cast iron, sheet metal facades, and steel and wood windows. Some notable projects include facade investigation, restoration design, and construction observation at the Old Cook County Hospital in Chicago, and facade investigation and restoration design at the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles.

Mark Kuberski is a Principal and VP at Central Building & Preservation, in Chicago, IL, and received BSCE and MSCE degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Kuberski is an expert in the construction of early skyscraper development (1880s-1920s), and has managed multiple terra cotta, stone, and brick masonry facade restoration projects. Some notable projects include the cornice restoration on the landmark Marquette Building, the facade restoration of Randolph Tower (formerly known as Steuben Club Building) and reconstruction of historic Chicago area church bell towers. 

Jamie Farnham is the National Sales Manager for Gladding, McBean in Lincoln, California. Gladding was established in 1875, when the founders began mining a high-quality clay deposit and manufacturing sewer pipe onsite, before expanding the product line to include architectural facades, pottery, and roof tile. Since 1883, the company has become a major manufacturer of architectural terra-cotta. Ms. Farnham has dedicated 23 years to Gladding, McBean, beginning her career as a senior estimator and rising to the position of National Sales Manager for the Architectural Terra Cotta division. Her extensive experience and deep knowledge of the industry have made her a key leader in the company, driving innovation and growth in the architectural terra cotta market.

John Krouse is the CEO of Boston Valley Terra Cotta in Orchard Park, NY, as well as a Ceramic Engineer by trade. Boston Valley specializes in the manufacture of architectural terra cotta for both historic restoration and new construction, emerging as a global innovator in contemporary rainscreen design and production. Krouse holds a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering and a minor in Ceramic Sculpture from Alfred University and has over 39 years of experience in terra cotta manufacturing.