R. J. DOERR COMPANY, LLC
Design-Build, Architectural Restoration
& General Contracting
|
1753 Bachman Publick House, Easton Heritage Alliance
The Bachman Publick House Restoration was a two-phased project conducted between 1999 and 2001. During that time the structure, Easton, Pennsylvania's oldest surviving building, was reclaimed from generations of neglect, and restored to its eighteenth and early nineteenth century brilliance. Built by Jacob Bachman, in 1753, the property served a variety of important civic functions in the City's provincial and early American history, including being Northampton County's first courthouse. Guests and attendants of the tavern included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, George Taylor and numerous other 18th and 19th century notables. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure retains approximately 70% of its original material. Today the Bachmann Publick House is interpreted as a colonial era tavern and serves as an Early American Living History Center. It is owned and operated by the Easton Heritage Alliance.
The restoration, funded by both public and private donors, was based upon an historic structures report and subsequent site analysis and architectural documentation prepared by noted regional architect Mr. Jeff Martinson of the Martinson Group, Inc. The scope of work conducted by R. J. Doerr Company was broad, from structural remediation to finish detail, all conducted, in concert with the project architect, in accordance with the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Restoration. Mechanical and electrical systems were completely renewed, while structural components were repaired, replaced in-kind or otherwise stabilized. More than 30 members of structural steel were utilized in the restoration. Architectural finishes, both exterior and interior, were completely restored, or, as warranted by deterioration, replaced in-kind. Exterior finishes included the removal of a later stucco application and the repointing of existing limestone walls; the restoration and / or replication of historic door and window units, shutters and their respective hardware components; and the reconstruction of non- extant features such as pent eaves and wooden entry stair and stoops. Interior finishes included the construction of non-extant partition walls and stairways, the restoration and / or replication of historic woodwork, wall plaster, flooring and unique components such as a colonial era bar-cupboard.
|
The structure as it appeared about 1911
| The structure as it appeared in 1989 before restoration
|
Exterior restoration underway
|
Structural stabilization of the first floor
| Structural stabilization of a first floor hearth and chimney mass
|
Colonial era courtroom interior during restoration
| Courtroom interior after restoration was completed
|
Reconstructed colonial era bar cupboard
|
Reconstructed circa 1827 staircase
|
The 1752 / 63 Moravian Smithy, Historic Bethlehem Partnership
The Moravian Smithy Reconstruction occurred between October 2002 and June 2004. The work was based upon detailed archaeological and archival research begun in the 1950’s; in the mid 1990’s, the earlier research was assumed and built upon by David Scott Parker Architects in the preparation of construction documents for the reconstruction. Parker’s work and subsequent actions of R. J. Doerr Company were guided by the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Reconstruction and developed in close association with the Historic Trades staff at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
The scope of work was inclusive, from site work to finishes, all being fully coordinated and carried out by R. J. Doerr Company. The building, a two-story structure of approximately 1,800 square feet, was erected atop the long demolished original structures footprint using approximately 250 tons of locally salvaged limestone. It was rebuilt in exacting detail, faithful to its predecessor in appearance, method of construction and function, as supported by research and to the extent possible. Through its Germanic styling, the building is readily identifiable as a component of Historic Bethlehem’s landmark Moravian architectural core. The structure is outfitted with working blacksmith and locksmith shops, including working forges and manually operated “great” leather bellows. It serves its owner, Historic Bethlehem Partnership, as a living history venue for interpreting 18th century trades in colonial era Bethlehem. The project was the culmination of a $10 million capital campaign funded through public and private contributions.
|
Architect's rendering of the proposed 1750 / 63 Moravian Smithy (Courtesy of David Scott Parker Architects, LLC)
|
April 2003: 16" thick limestone walls clear grade
| July 2003: Window and door frames and floor framing are set into the stonework as the walls rise
|
R. J. Doerr Company mechanics fabricate an interior staircase modeled after a surviving 18th Moravian example
| A structural brick arch, typical of period Moravian Construction, is laid up to form a second story window opening
|
October 2004: With its stonework complete, the Moravian Smithy's finished form begins to emerge. Forges and chimneys are erected and the roof frame is raised
| June 2005: The completed Moravian Smithy awaits dedication
|
Blacksmiths work at one of the Moravian Smithy's forges, demonstrating period iron and lockwork for visitors to Historic Bethlehem
|
|
