Contents Corner

A final walk-through was conducted on Tuesday, December 7th with Jeff MacDonald, Jim Carpita, and Architect Ken Seivert in attendance.

There were no outstanding concerns noted and the interior portion of the project is considered finished.

Kiskadden Barn

The interior northwest corner continues to receive repointing applications, to extend below grade, in preparation for an internal steel support system to be installed as part of seismic retrofitting measures for all extant masonry.

An additional foot of soil and rubble stone was removed by hand from the base of the excavation pit, to allow for the specified depth of concrete to be poured in the northwest corner.

Loose or missing stones are replaced with local in-kind material, set and pointed with 3:1 mortar mixed with local screened sand and natural hydraulic lime.

An external steel buttress was installed at the north wall connection to the northwest corner, following concerns over the lack of external support at grade level, which may expand or fail with the addition of concrete to the interior. The steel framework was field welded to extant framework along the west wall, and set with diagonal bracing run to grade along the north wall. Sections of foam panel insulation and plywood were added between the framework and wall system to provide added stability and contribute toward temperature control when the concrete is poured during winter.

Prasch Blacksmith Shop

The staff archaeologist continued a study of silt and soil deposits on and around the forge hearths. Surfaces are being cleaned to determine further structural instabilities, and assess treatment options. The building was also examined and measured by Ken Seivert who shall prepare specifications and drawings for the forthcoming timber frame installation.

Gilbert Brewery

Restoration of window systems continues throughout the brewery building. Several windows along the south façade were removed for treatment to sash and re-glazing. They have been re-installed in their respective locations.

Investigation of the Barrel Room built-up header and doorjamb has indicated severely decayed wood members, which will require a complete replacement. Effort will be made however to preserve the southern-most header timber, which faces the brewery kiln and displays various paint treatments. The entire header system is comprised of four courses of 6”x8” members. All have experienced a sustained exposure to high levels of humidity, which has contributed to an advanced level of decay, as well as insect and pest damage. An analog temperature and humidity gauge installed in the barrel room in December has yielded a daily average of 28 degrees and 70+ percent humidity.

All failed historic material shall be replaced with in-king material, and all replacement wood members shall receive treatment to discourage future rot and infestation.

Miscellaneous

o A grant application was submitted to the National Park Service, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Funding would provide for technical research and sustained use of Natural Hydraulic Lime in historic mortar mixes applied throughout Virginia City.

o A brief-announcement was prepared for the 2005 curriculum of the Virginia City Institute for Preservation Research and Technology. The document was forwarded to interested parties, with a formal release scheduled for January 2005.

o Weekly inspections continue for all Heritage Commission properties.

Meetings

12.7.04 - Project Architect Ken Seivert met with Jeff MacDonald and Jim Carpita for final walk-through at Content’s Corner. Visited present and future project sites throughout Virginia City.