A. Descriptive Data Sheet Project Type: Project Address: University College Administrative Headquarters 2701 Spring Street Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808 Completion Date: July 2010 Architect s Statement: The Brookside Mansion was built in 1903 as the country residence of John H. Bass, a Fort Wayne Industrialist. In 1944 the University of Saint Francis acquired the 24,000 sq. ft. mansion. Already listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the renovation was intended to transform the facility into the administrative headquarters for the University (housing President s Offices, Human Resources, Conference Center, Admissions, University Relations, Alumni Center, etc.). The three-story home features multiple turrets and many rooms designed with specific themes including a Louis XIV drawing room, Moorish library, Japanese card room, Marie Antoinette bedroom, and Napoleon guest room. A French Colonial ballroom with a domed Greek mythology mural ceiling tops the third floor of this exquisite home. While the project included the addition of an elevator, the restoration of this Richardsonian Romanesque masterpiece required an exceptional level of expertise in the artistry and technology of the period. The project team included restoration specialists in stone masonry, decorative painting and murals, clay tile roofing, woodwork, art glass, light fixtures, floor coverings, and wall textiles all charged with the challenge of restoring the iconic Brookside Mansion while offering the University a functioning Administrative Headquarters. Type of Construction and Special Considerations. In addition to the overall restoration of the mansion, the design team was challenged to design a number of historically sensitive features for the interior and exterior of the building. These included: Tuckpointed all mortar joints throughout the exterior facade and selectively restoring decorative sandstone work (i.e. gargoyles). Installed a perimeter drainage system with continuous manifold connected to restored copper downspouts and guttering. Removed all existing asphalt roofing (approximately half of the existing roof) and installed replica clay tile throughout. Removed all existing interior paint to calculate original colors for each space. Restored and/or reproduced interior lighting fixtures for all interior spaces. Installed a full-serve elevator with concealed fire-rated lobbies at each floor. While each room was constructed with unique wood species and decorative paint stenciling, much of the original decorative detailing had been concealed over the years. During the initial design phases, the Project Team carefully uncovered the original stencils and finishes. Throughout the construction process each component (e.g., lighting, stenciling, plaster accents, stone masonry, etc.) was documented and restored to its original condition.
The historic building consisted of a steel and concrete structure with ornate plaster and woodwork unique to each individual room. The Project Team successfully designed an integrated series of concealed systems in an effort to modernize the historic mansion as a functioning administrative center. These systems included, but were not limited to: The removal of all surface mounted conduit and wiring. New service and outlets were installed by notching or trenching existing walls in order for all outlets and data infrastructure to be completely concealed. A renovation of existing steam pipe heating systems (including refurbishing existing radiators for modern use). A new cooling systems throughout the building. The site immediately surrounding the facility was dramatically transformed with a new entry and drop-off area designed to complement the original style of the mansion. B. Drawings & Documents See subsequent pages. C. Photographs See subsequent pages.
Existing Site
Final Site Design
DINING PARLOR
BALL ROOM
1. Existing Parlor 2. Existing Second Floor Corridor 3. Damaged plaster detailing 4. Damage from leaking roof 5. Damaged linoleum flooring 6. Worn/Damaged wood flooring
1. Existing paint was carefully removed to reveal original stencil work for reproductions. 2. Existing windows were transformed into backlit murals at new elevator to conceal newly installed fire partitions beyond. 3. New formalized entry was constructed 4. The Ballroom was completed renovated into a functioning conference center 5. Existing dormer was designed and renovated as an interior feature at the new third-floor elevator lobby
Northwest Corner New lighting accents restored sandstone facades, repaired decorative stone carvings, and new clay tile roof.
North Elevation Relocated Saint Francis Statue served as main focal point for new drop-off drive and entry.
Parlor (west wall) Custom carpet, restored wall fabrics, restored decorative painting/stenciling, renovated light fixtures, new ceiling mural to replace original.
Parlor (east wall)
Ballroom (looking east) Transformed into functioning conference center with motorized projection screens, wireless data, etc. Decorative stenciling and murals throughout space renovated and/or reproduced. Maple floor and decorative wood restored to original condition.
Dining Room Decorative painting and murals restored. Original woodwork and lighting fixtures restored to original condition.
Dining Room Decorative stenciling restored. Custom reproductions for floral light fixtures made from salvaged parts.
Guest Bedroom Decorative stenciling restored. Replica wallcovering installed. Air Conditioning introduced into spaces through concealed units within storage closets with discreetly located louvers located above the closet doorways. Reproduced light fixtures throughout.
Dining Foyer Original woodworks restored throughout. Custom repairs for decorative carvings accomplished by stainable car bondo fabricated from plaster forms taken from original profiles. Stain glass mural restored and backlit with LED fixtures to conceal new fire-rated partition installed beyond for newly installed elevator shaft and lobby.
Grand Foyer Custom designed silk-woven "soft-wall" fabric mechanically fastened to walls. Pattern custom matched from remnants found throughout the mansion of the original wallcovering.