Pennsylvania State Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA

AWARD for the complete and painstaking restoration over a 25 year period of this 1906 Beaux Arts National Historic Landmark designed by joseph Huston, including the cleaning of its elaborate murals, and for implementing an ongoing maintenance program to ensure the structure’s future preservation.

Constructed between 1902 and 1906, this Beaux Arts masterpiece was intended by its architect, joseph Huston, as a “palace of art.”  Noted artists were commissioned to execute the extensive murals and sculpture that decorate the building.  Only the finest materials were used, with chandeliers and decorative furnishings custom designed for their location. The grand staircase was modeled after that of the opera in Paris, and the building’s dome after that of St. Peter’s in Rome.

By 1982, however, the building was swiftly deteriorating, and a 25-year restoration program was begun to bring the exterior and interior of the structure back to their original glory.  Utility, life-safety and climate control systems were upgraded throughout the building’s 450,000 square feet.  All of the murals, sculptures and surfaces were cleaned and restored.  Based on extensive historical research and documentation, the painstaking restoration carefully adhered to the highest standards and can serve as a model for other states.

Website:http://cpc.state.pa.us/main/cpcweb/

Leland Stanford Mansion

Sacramento, CA

AWARD for the sensitive restoration of the exterior and interior of this landmark 1872 Second Empire mansion, complemented by original and period furnishings, which is now open for public visitation but has also been adapted for use in state receptions.

This home was purchased by Stanford in 1861 and in 1871-72 was enlarged in the Second Empire Style to reflect his status as governor of California.  Almost tripled in size, the additions included a billiard room and a vast ballroom and were stylishly furnished.

In 1902, Mrs. Stanford donated the home to the Catholic Church for an orphanage, and it was used by the church for institutional purposes until 1985, by which time it has been purchased by the State of California.  Utilizing historic 1872 photographs, the interior was restored with original and appropriate period furniture.  Systems were upgraded, and all work was reviewed by numerous city, state and national agencies.  The mansion is now open for public visitation and also serves as a venue for official state receptions.

Website:  http://www.stanfordmansion.org/

Union Station

Springfield, IL

AWARD for the rehabilitation of this 1898 Romanesque Revival train station designed by architect Francis Bacon, and in particular for the reconstruction of its 150-ft. tower and for its adaptive reuse as the visitors’ center for the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum.

The magnificent 150-foot clock tower of this Romanesque Revival building, constructed in 1898, was removed in 1946 in a program to “modernize” the structure.  After disuse as a train station, the building was converted into a shopping mall and subsequently fell into disrepair.

The State of Illinois acquired the building and in 2000 began a complete rehabilitation that included reconstruction of the landmark clock tower, requiring reinforcement of its foundation for support.  The station has been sensitively adapted for reuse as the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum, which now welcomes visitors from around the world who come to Springfield to visit Lincoln’s home and grave.

Sever Hall at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

AWARD for the state-of-the-art exterior restoration of this Romanesque Revival classroom building constructed in 1880 and designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson.

This building was constructed in 1880 in the Romanesque Revival style and is considered a masterpiece of the noted American architect Henry Hobson Richardson.  An unusual feature is its 115 panels of carved gauged brick, each decorated with a different botanical or zoological motif.  The exterior was carefully restored with upgrades to bricks, mortar, brownstone, roof tiles and wood windows that required a highly exacting process.

Now a National Historic Landmark, the building is still in use for classroom, administrative and library purposes.

Website: www.greatbuildings.comHarvard University Gazette

Union League of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

AWARD for the careful exterior restoration of this imposing 1865 Second Empire club and its 1910 Beaux Arts extension, designed respectively by architects John Fraser and Horace Trumbauer and still in continuous use for its original purpose.

The restoration encompassed the exterior not only of the prominent 1865 Second Empire structure on Broad Street but also the Beaux Arts addition behind it.

The Union League’s rich archive of historic photographs and plans provided the documentation needed to replicate the metal roof cresting and repair deteriorated brownstone, stained glass windows and ornamental lighting.  Of particular note was the reconstruction of the missing cupola on the corner tower of the 1865 building.  The complex is still in use for its original purpose as a non-partisan private club.

Website: http://www.unionleague.org/