Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc. (SEE) was retained to evaluate the existing condition of the severely deteriorated historic terracotta facade of a five-story office building in the downtown of the city. Deteriorated and broken terracotta pieces posed an immediate danger to the public. Upon our recommendation, a protective canopy was erected immediately to protect the public from falling terracotta pieces.

After a thorough evaluation, SEE recommended repairing the whole exterior facade in order to restore the integrity of the facade. We came up with an innovative long-term repair option where the exterior facade can be restored and protected successfully without replacing it completely. 

The ownership retained SEE to prepare restoration documents, negotiate the contract with a terracotta restoration contractor, and oversee the construction. The restoration program included repairing deteriorated and cracked terracotta units, joint repairs, corroded anchor replacement, deteriorated roof framing, backup wall replacement, and terracotta sealing.  

SEE provided terracotta facade evaluation and condition assessment, prepared the restoration documents for the exterior facade and contract negotiation assistance, and oversaw the construction.