Historic fabric, part one

When we signed on to do this project with the City and the non-profit Nuestra Comunidad, I had pretty high hopes for saving lots of the original historic fabric. But given the condition of the house, I definitely should have known better. This house was not only foreclosed upon, but it had also been vacant for quite some time. It is astounding to see how quickly a once well cared for building can deteriorate if not properly maintained. Exposure to extreme heat and cold, moisture, and in some cases to direct rainfall (in one area there was a wide open hole in the roof) has sadly left most of the period details beyond salvage.

Two survivors, however, are pictured here – the two matching newel posts (one on each side of our duplex) and one marble fireplace surround.

The surround pictured is actually from the more badly damaged side of the house; it was found largely in tact (complete with beer can adornment) and has been removed for safekeeping and eventual cleaning and reinstallation near the end of the job. The fireplace surround from the other side was missing; we later found it in pieces in the basement. Part of it had been used to patch (!) the failing fieldstone foundation, and the other pieces lay broken in the dirt on the floor.

We’ll be seeking a replacement at one of the local Boston area salvage yards…let us know if you’ve seen a similar one, or if you’ve seen a match anywhere in your travels. It’s been a while (since our Washington DC project, where the house was in in similarly bad condition) since we’ve been out to the local salvage yards in search of a period fireplace surround.

Next post I’ll file a report on the plaster details, as there is a bit of good news (and bad) there as well.