Taft Museum of Art

Built around 1820, the Taft Museum of Art is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest freestanding wood structure in its original location in Cincinnati.

This 200-year-old house, which holds a priceless art collection featuring the work of some of the world’s leading artists, was in dire need of renovation. The historic home was in disrepair, with significant water damage to the wood siding and overall structure. To restore the museum to its former glory and to achieve a climate-controlled environment suitable to preserving the artwork, the scope of this work included:

  • Foundation repairs and waterproofing
  • Site stonework
  • Wood siding removal and replacement
  • Window grilles and fencing
  • Casework and millwork
  • HVAC replacement

Delivery Method:

Construction Management

Project Type:

Historic Preservation

Industry:

PLAY

Architect:

GBBN Architects

The Challenges

Because of the historic nature of the building, all our work was required to follow strict historic preservation standards, such as limiting noise, monitoring vibrations, and maintaining tight temperature and humidity levels to protect the artwork. We also worked around asbestos, an underground cistern, and in an environment with very tight logistics. We removed all existing HVAC equipment from attic spaces and replaced them with new, modern equipment — all through a single 3-by-5-foot hatch.

I always had the sense that the HGC leadership and their staff handled our project as if it was their very own home. They demonstrated care of the structure and understood its historic importance. There were lots and lots of hoops for HGC to jump through to get the project right. One example: You must perform all work on this project without causing vibrations — no drills or anything that could damage the murals that are painted directly on 200-year-old plaster! I am pleased to share that they did a magnificent job.

Deborah Emont Scot

Director Emerita,
Taft Museum of Art

Once work was complete, Taft’s Director Emerita, Deborah Emont Scott, remarked: “We believe we have fixed this house up for another hundred years.”

The Solutions

Before any construction to the historic house began, our team engaged a historic consultant and spent a year in preconstruction and design to align on a budget and complete value engineering exercises. We addressed an urgent concern — rotting structural framing — by shoring up the house to replace the structural members, then removed all wooden boards that made up the exterior skin. We installed a rain screen and vapor barrier behind the interior walls, and utilized an environmental safe chamber to remove asbestos behind the siding. The initial plan called for tongue and groove siding, but we discovered that a shiplap assembly was a better option for water protection and gave the same historic look on the outside.

Another pressing issue involved short cycling air. Since almost every room had a fireplace, we proposed repurposing these old fireplaces and chimney flues as return-air paths to allow for cross-room ventilation

Hard work. Craftsmanship. Putting the customer first. Doing it right.

Our business was built on these values — and they continue to drive our people, our projects and our culture today.

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