Wheaton Courthouse

RRJ was retained to perform a condition survey of the existing terra cotta and stone distress at the Wheaton Courthouse Square Condominiums.  In addition to performing a condition survey to document the facade distress, RRJ reviewed the project construction documents and submittals, performed laboratory testing of the coating, provided causes for the terra cotta and stone distress, and prepared restoration repair procedures.

The Wheaton Courthouse, a national historic landmark building, was originally constructed in 1896 as a three-story building with a projecting clock tower.  In 1952, two additional stories were added.  The five-story load-bearing masonry structure has a mansard roof, fifth-level dormers, and an approximately three-story-tall clock tower projecting from the center of the building.  The DuPage county courthouse operations were moved to a new facility in 1991, leaving the Wheaton Courthouse vacant.  In 2006, courthouse restoration construction was started to convert the building into luxury condominiums, including a complete restoration of the exterior building facade.  The building facade is predominately face brick with terra cotta and sandstone accents throughout each level and elevation of the building.

RRJ assisted the client in identifying the terra cotta and stone failure mechanisms based on failure patterns and laboratory testing.  RRJ provided restoration repair procedures, including surface preparation, the use of proper materials, and a quality control testing program.

RRJ’s restoration procedures have provided long-lasting facade repairs to this historic building’s facade stones and terra cotta.