Midwest Brochure

BUILDING C O N S E RVAT I O N A S S O C I AT E S , I N C BCA is a consulting firm with a 35-year track record of success in the field of preservation and materials conservation.

BCA’s pragmatic philosophy is based on generally accepted standards of conservation scaled and adapted to locally sourced construction trades. We are also sensitive to regional variations. Our practice is founded on the simple idea of making preservation economically viable in a changing world. This means that conservation technologies stemming from building and museum practice must be scaled to the specific needs of the monument, building or site.

STABILIZATION

BCA consists of two studios: Architectural Conservation and Historic Preservation, each led by different managers.

The two studios are under one roof and work in close coordination to achieve project goals.

Not all older buildings are designated landmarks, but in a world becoming increasingly aware of the need for a lower carbon footprint and sustainable practice, all buildings can benefit from conservation rather than replacement or demolition. BCA is committed to applying lessons learned from its vast experience in building conservation to sustainable projects.

We are serious about the commissioning process and have developed turn-key software tools to address building maintenance after the construction team is gone.

B U I L D I N G C O N S E RVAT I O N A S S O C I AT E S I N C

Some buildings (and monuments) are in such poor condition that immediate stabilization is required to prevent a hazardous situation from getting worse. In these cases, the building cannot wait for a comprehensive study.

BCA can quickly assemble a team and design solutions to address materially unstable conditions.

SUSTAINABILITY AND REHABILITATION

MATERIALS TESTING In the Lab

In the Field

Materials testing and analysis are used to help us gain a deeper understanding of specific questions or problems about the building so that we can provide a targeted solution. Our approach to testing is balanced between answering questions to meet the needs of the project and the budget of the client. BCA offers an extensive complement of testing; two of our most common are paint and mortar analyses.

Sometimes, conditions visible on a building are the result of deeper issues. BCA’s use of scaffold and boom lifts to gain up-close inspection help identify the cause of conditions. Probes are sometime recommended to determine wall construction and internal conditions.

Once existing conditions are recorded, recommendations can include repairs and cleaning. BCA routinely designs mockups that include In-situ Cleaning Tests and Masonry Repairs in order to specify the most appropriate program of revitalization.

Paint analysis can aid in determining the alteration chronology of a building and determining the historic colors of painted elements. Mortar analysis can be used to identify binder, cement, and aggregate to find an appropriate modern replacement material on masonry buildings.

BCA can research, design, estimate costs, obtain bids and oversee construction from start to finish.

Our team is hands-on and works closely with artisans and restoration contractors.

We have experience obtaining landmark permits and Federal and State Tax Credits for our clients.

UNITED NATIONS TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL CHAMBER

C O N TA C T U S ERICA MORASSET Director Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation M.S., Historic Preservation, 2008 University of Windsor B. Sc., Chemistry, Honors, 2006

Contact us to learn more:

DETROIT Erica Morasset directs the midwest office of BCA. Erica brings a broad range of conservation and preservation expertise having worked at BCA’s headquarters in New York City for the past 13 years.

Ms. Morasset’s responsibilities include project management, field investigations, materials testing, finishes analysis, photographic documentation, preparation of construction documents, construction monitoring, and report writing. Her expertise includes architectural woodwork, ornamental metals, plaster, and stone surfaces.

At this May’s Michigan Historic Preservation Network Conference Erica will be co-presenting a session on Determining Methods to Assess Structural Stability in Historic Plaster Ceilings. Erica is co-author of the forthcoming article, Protecting Stained Glass Windows from Vibrations Caused by Construction Operations, in the Association for Preservation Technology International Bulletin.

B U I L D I N G C O N S E RVAT I O N A S S O C I AT E S I N C

535 Griswold St. Suite 111 Detroit, MI 48226 emorasset@bcausa.com 917.526.3759

NEW YORK Raymond Pepi President 44 East 32nd St, 12th Fl New York, NY 10016

BOSTON Lisa Howe Director 10 Langley Rd, Ste 202 Newton, MA, 02459

PHILADELPHIA Dorothy Krotzer Director 242 Cherry St Philadelphia, PA 19106

WASHINGTON DC Kevin Wohlgemuth Associate Conservator 4821 29th St. S Arlington, VA 22206