Amherst College Exterior Marble Restoration
Project Context
The Folger Shakespeare Library's exterior marble restoration represented a critical preservation effort to protect and restore one of Washington D.C.'s most significant Art Deco landmarks. Built in 1932, the library's distinctive white Georgian marble facade had suffered decades of weathering, requiring careful restoration to preserve its architectural integrity.
Landmark Logix served as Owner's Representative for this complex 24-month restoration project, coordinating specialized marble conservation teams, structural engineers, and historic preservation experts. Our team managed the intricate process of cleaning, repairing, and replacing deteriorated marble panels while maintaining the building's historic character and ensuring continued library operations.
The project required innovative solutions to address water infiltration, structural support issues, and the replacement of over 200 severely damaged marble panels with carefully matched Georgia marble. Working closely with the DC Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, we ensured that all restoration work met the highest standards of historic preservation.
Project Details
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Client
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- Architect
- MTFA
- Construction Manager
- Lorton Stone
- Duration
- 3.5 Years
- Project Value
- $3.75M
- Project Type
- —
- Sector
- Cultural & Arts
- Categories
- Historic Preservation, Cultural Institution, Exterior Restoration
Delivery Challenge
Restoring the deteriorated exterior marble on a landmark 1932 Art Deco building presented extraordinary challenges. The project required matching original Georgia marble in color, grain, and texture while addressing decades of water infiltration and structural support issues across 2,400+ panels — all under the oversight of the DC Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service, and without disrupting library operations.
- Replacing 200+ severely damaged marble panels with matched Georgia marble
- Addressing water infiltration and structural support issues
- Coordinating with DC Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service
- Maintaining building operations during exterior restoration
- Ensuring new marble matches 1932 original in color and texture
Owner-Side Advisory Role
Landmark Logix provided project oversight for this complex exterior restoration, coordinating preservation architects, stone specialists, and structural engineers to preserve the building's iconic facade.
Project Highlights
Project Gallery
Project Timeline & Progression
Phase 1: Assessment & Documentation
Comprehensive condition survey of 2,400+ marble panels, structural analysis, and historic documentation
Phase 2: Marble Sourcing & Testing
Identification of matching Georgia marble sources, material testing, and mock-up installations
Phase 3: Panel Replacement & Repair
Systematic removal and replacement of damaged panels, structural reinforcement, and waterproofing
Phase 4: Final Cleaning & Protection
Comprehensive facade cleaning, sealant application, and long-term maintenance planning
Key Achievements
Historic Preservation Award
Received DC Historic Preservation Award for Excellence in Restoration
Zero Operational Disruption
Library remained fully operational throughout 24-month restoration
218 Panels Replaced
Successfully replaced damaged marble with perfectly matched Georgia marble
100% Water Intrusion Eliminated
Comprehensive waterproofing system preventing future damage
On-Time Delivery
Complex restoration completed on schedule despite weather challenges
50-Year Warranty
All restoration work backed by comprehensive long-term warranty
Scope of Services
- Owner's Representation: Comprehensive project oversight including budget management, schedule coordination, and quality control for this $3.75M restoration
- Historic Preservation Planning: Coordination with DC Historic Preservation Office, National Park Service, and preservation consultants to ensure compliance with all historic standards
- Materials Procurement: Sourcing of historically accurate Georgia marble, testing for color and grain matching, and coordination of specialized fabrication
- Contractor Management: Daily oversight of specialized marble restoration contractors, structural engineers, and waterproofing specialists
- Stakeholder Coordination: Regular communication with library staff, board members, donors, and the public to maintain support throughout the project
Advisory Services Applied
Explore the owner-side advisory capabilities relevant to this engagement.
Contract Administration & Risk Management
Owner-side contract oversight, change order management, risk visibility, and dispute prevention that keep projects on terms and on track.
Design & Regulatory Management
Independent design oversight, regulatory coordination, and compliance management that protects owner interests across permitting, preservation, and design phases.
Construction Management & Quality Control
Independent field oversight, quality assurance, and contractor accountability — ensuring what gets built matches what was designed and contracted.
Considering owner-side advisory for a historic facade restoration?
Landmark Logix provides experienced project leadership for complex historic preservation and exterior restoration projects.