Joliet Area Historical Museum
Old Joliet Facade Stabilization
This project focuses on stabilizing a group of historically significant buildings that had suffered decades of water damage and structural deterioration. Our work secured the site, prevented further collapse, and created a safer path forward for future preservation.
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  • Project Type
    • Projects_restoration
  • Status
  • Delivery Method
    • Design-Build
  • Location
    • Joliet, IL
  • Duration
    • 21 Months
  • Size
    • 20,000 sqft
  • Architect
    • Klein & Hoffman

This stabilization program addressed four key structures on the historic campus: the Administration Building (1858), the East and West Cell Blocks (1858), the Hospital (1896), and the Chapel (1965). After years of deferred maintenance, vandalism, and extensive moisture infiltration, each building showed significant distress. Failing roofs and broken windows had allowed water to penetrate deep into the interiors, contributing to partial or full collapses of floors, stairs, attics, and roof systems, making many areas unsafe to access.

To halt this decline, our team implemented targeted stabilization measures designed to secure the structures without initiating full restoration. The work included temporary roofing, window enclosures, structural shoring, bracing, and comprehensive stone and masonry repairs.

The goal of this program was straightforward and essential: prevent further deterioration and preserve what remains, laying the groundwork for future restoration and long-term stewardship of these historic buildings.

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