Traditional Masonry Archives — Architect's Perspective: Old Main Building, University of Arkansas

Architect's Perspective: Old Main Building, University of Arkansas

The Old Main Building at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., has been a landmark of the university since 1875 and is likely the most recognizable building in the state. As with many historical buildings, determining an exact chronicle of its past was a formidable exercise. Yet to properly restore the exterior of the building as close to its original state as possible, an accurate chronicle was the first necessary step.

The condition of the west facade before removal of the lime mortar and portland cement mortar.

John Connell, a principal at SCM Architects, Little Rock, Ark., began initial investigation of the scope of repairs required on the building in August 2003. Since then, work on Old Main has been extensive, detailed and time-consuming.

Initially, Connell’s firm was tasked with repairing the terne-coated metal roof of the building. Leakage had been an issue for years, and previous attempts to repair it had been done as stopgaps, often with little or no success. It was assumed by the university that the bulk of disrepair — rotted beams and joists, water-damaged walls, deteriorating masonry — was the result of leakage from the roof. Connell recognized that repairs to the roof alone would not resolve all the issues for the building. Minimal masonry repairs were absolutely needed, and there was a real possibility that extensive repairs would be required.

Connell called in historic masonry specialist John Speweik, of U.S. Heritage Group, Chicago. Speweik confirmed Connell’s suspicions. Old Main, like many historic buildings, had undergone a number of repairs over the years, but most repair attempts ultimately created more problems than they solved. Portland cement was not widely used in construction until the early 1900s. Prior to that, brick and stone were bonded with a mixture of lime, sand and water. On the surface, that seems simple enough. However, mixtures and pliability varied regionally as lime was usually obtained from the nearest source. This was also the case with sand. As a result, aggregate sizes of sand varied, as did the porosity and presumably the longevity of lime putty mixes, from region to region. Lime putties did, however, share at least one commonality regardless of region — they are more breathable than cement-based mortars.

As a result of years of joint repairs with portland cement mortar, a significant portion of Old Main had lost its ability to “breathe.” Consequently, much of the moisture damage that the building was suffering had as much to do with a leaking roof as it did faulty repairs. Repointed cement mortar repairs were prohibiting moisture from migrating to the exterior of the building, where it would evaporate during warm seasons. Instead, moisture was migrating via the path of least resistance — to the interior.

Inadequate repairs and a defective roof were not the end of the building’s problems. Based on the condition of the mortar joints on the east side of the building, Speweik suspected that, at some point in its history, Old Main had been covered in ivy. But no one at the university could recall that ever being the case, and preliminary research didn’t substantiate his suspicions. Finally, a picture showing ivy on the building was discovered in the university archives. Connell and Speweik were certain that if the job were to be done right, most of the mortar joints would require repointing. The next task was to present this to university officials so they would understand the need for masonry repairs in addition to the roof work.

The condition of the brick edges after portland cement mortar is removed.

The condition of the brick edges after the original lime mortar is removed in another location on the building.

To their credit, university facilities management representatives accepted Connell’s and Speweik’s assertions. They also understood that to repair the building suitably and in a historically accurate manner would require significant additional funding and a commitment to a long-term project. SCM was given the green light to proceed with the full-fledged renovation of the exterior of Old Main, and U.S. Heritage Group was enlisted as a partner.

Speweik took a wide variety of samples of the original lime putty mortar from the building and had the U.S. Heritage lab determine the aggregate size of the sand used and the properties of the lime. New lime putty was then manufactured to match the original as closely as possible. It was packaged in buckets and delivered as a pre-mixed lime putty to the site. Connell lined up subcontractors for the job and Speweik arranged for historical masonry training classes for the masons. Each mason was required to attend specialized U.S. Heritage classes and receive a certification in lime putty removal and pointing prior to working on Old Main.

The job has presented countless challenges, not the least of which has been instilling an appreciation in the artisans of the historic significance of the building. They have had to change their way of approaching the work from the mindset of “production” to one of “restoration.” Restoration work requires much more attention to detail and intricacies not always demanded of typical masonry. Consequently, it is more time-consuming and more expensive. Both Speweik and Connell agree that experienced craftsmen are often resistant to change. Speweik has found that less experienced masons tend to be more readily open to learning the old skills required for historical work. The Old Main project has held true to this trend.

Predictably, the Old Main project has moved ahead slowly. As is the case with many historical buildings, work on one area often reveals a need for additional repairs and restorations in other areas. Couple that with the need to find, train and keep masons, and it is no surprise that the project is not yet complete. But both Connell and Speweik say they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. They anticipate that work will be completed by the end of the year.

TM