Built in 1913, The Raleigh Building originally consisted of three floors. It was commissioned by the Raleigh Banking and Trust Company, the building’s original tenants. In 1930, the final eight stories were added atop the then existing floors. In 1993, this monumental Neo-Classical building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The restoration division is finishing up the last phase of terracotta cornice repairs to this historical building on Hargett street in Raleigh, NC.
Phase one included an investigation to determine why a piece of the cornice modillion had broken away and fallen. It was determined this was due to severe rust jacking on the steel that holds the cantilevered terracotta cornice.
What is a modillion? An ornate bracket, horizontal in shape and less imposing than a corbel. They are often seen underneath a cornice which it helps to support.
Phase two scope included:
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removing, cataloging and cleaning all the upper pieces of terracotta.
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replacing the steel framing that anchors the cantilevered pieces
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reinstalling the terracotta with new stainless steel and coated steel attachment anchors and repointing all the terra cotta above the 11th floor.
Two of the modillion pieces were beyond repair and are being replicated by Boston Valley Terra Cotta. Once these replicated pieces are complete the team will finish installing the last sections of the cornice.
Check out this video of repair progressions: