Preserving Original Materials. Delivering Long-Term Solutions.
Historic restoration projects require balancing preservation with performance. At the Taft Museum, SSRG’s team worked to salvage, restore, and reuse as much original sandstone as possible while addressing underlying deterioration that threatened the long-term stability of site features. Existing sandstone walls, stairs, pavers, pedestal bases, and decorative elements were carefully dismantled, salvaged, restored, and repurposed throughout the site. Whenever possible, original materials were incorporated back into the finished work to preserve the property’s historic character while extending the lifespan of critical site features.
Working within a tight urban footprint added another layer of complexity. Limited staging space required just-in-time material deliveries, while an accelerated construction schedule, strict site security requirements, and ongoing supply chain constraints demanded constant coordination. Through detailed planning, creative problem-solving, and close collaboration with project partners, SSRG successfully delivered the restoration while maintaining the high standards required for a historic masonry restoration project of this scale.
The completed restoration stabilized deteriorating site features, improved accessibility, and preserved historic stonework that defines the character of the museum grounds. Through expert historic masonry restoration, stone conservation, and concrete repair, SSRG restored critical site features and helped preserve one of Cincinnati’s most iconic historic properties.
