“It’s always a privilege to be invited to restore and preserve pieces of history,” Matt Deloney, Vice President, Mid-Continental Restoration, says. “And when the structure — like Union Station — is such a big part of our collective community memory, the significance is amplified. What our crews are doing is as much of an art as it is science. In fact, most of this work on the Station is done by hand with hand tools and small specialty power tools. It’s delicate, precise and essential to maintaining and extending the life of these exposed surfaces. We know 100 years from now, people will look back and appreciate the attitude of obligation Union Station has today to preserve history to be enjoyed by generations to come.” Structural Engineering Associates has been providing structural engineering services for almost 25 years at Union Station including work leading up to and including the major renovation in the 1990s.
Above: A pallet of mortar mix is lifted onto Union Station’s historic roof. Courtesy: Roy Inman Photographs ©
THE FACTS In addition to the enormous human effort, this project will use: • The equivalent of 1,200 tubes of caulking – The typical home requires 10 tubes to re-caulk windows, doors and seams • Over 1,000 bags of mortar – The typical brick or stone home requires 10 bags • 1,100 gallons of Enviro Klean ReKlaim Limestone Cleaner (all applied by hand) • 1,300 gallons of Natural Stone Treatment Water Repellant to protect stone surfaces and slow future biological growth and staining. • 9,500 lineal feet of lead joint T-Cap installed to protect the skyward-facing stone joints from water infiltration.
HOW IS THIS PROJECT FUNDED? “The total investment we’re making to complete this important preservation work is $1.6 million and will be funded through a combination of sources, including our Union Station Preservation Fund (accumulated from a $1.00 charge added to each Science City and Touring Exhibition ticket sold), operating income and a direct fundraising effort already underway,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, says. “As our massive $8 million Western Expansion project heads quickly toward completion, we’re stepping up with this next significant preservation project and the community reaction to these investments has been, and continues to be, overwhelmingly positive. Union Station is Kansas City’s historic home and will always hold that place of honor, as long as we collectively do what it takes to preserve and maintain it.” Union Station is a 501(c)3 non-profit and receives no ongoing tax or public funding to support capital and operations. “We rely on earned income and donations to preserve Union Station,” Guastello, says. “We invite the entire community to do their part in preserving this jewel by donating online at UnionStation.org.” No disruption to normal Union Station business is anticipated during the year-long preservation work. “The 12-person crew is scheduled to work Monday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.,” Jerry Baber, Union Station executive vice president and COO, says. “At no time will visitor access or experience be diminished. Besides the visual spectacle of the professionals working up high to preserve the exterior, our award-winning attractions and beautiful event spaces will remain open and the new guest conveniences of our Western Expansion projects will be fully felt.” By combining several preservation projects — including elements from the Union Station 25-year maintenance plan — into one, additional efficiencies are being realized. “Being good stewards of Union Station is all inclusive,” Regnier, said. “Combining several preservation projects at once — even slightly ahead of schedule — is resulting in real savings which allows us to maximize the impact of our investment dollars. And, of course, support from the community is always invited and appreciated. Individuals or businesses interested in being part of preserving our historic monument should connect with Christy Nitsche for a complete list of opportunities. Caring for Kansas City’s historic home is indeed a proud and welcomed obligation we each have.” ■
TO MAKE A DONATION Contact Christy Nitsche, Director of Advancement & Community Engagement, 816.460.2208 or CNitsche@UnionStation.org
UnionStation.org
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