1433 N. Wells

Fortunately, in 1998, new ownership was able execute an interior and exterior restoration of this vintage Old Town mixed use building. Interior mechanical systems were all replaced, while the original woodwork and doors were restored or re-milled. The exterior restoration entailed restoration of a missing metal bay cornice and storefront which had been destroyed in an earlier remodeling attempt. Brickwork was cleaned and restored using fypon, a new molded material. The storefront was replaced with an oak facsimile of a 19th century retail establishment.

The exterior sheet metal bays were reconstructed from scaffolding erected over sixty feet high. Detailed architectural drawings were used on the intricate assembly of the bays and cornice. The common brick on the building required chemical cleaning and tuck pointing. The brickwork of the building was chemically cleaned to remove many layers of white paint. Tuck pointing was based on the original mortar color. The missing windows were replaced with wood sashes in conformity to historic guidelines. Interior woodwork was restored, plaster moldings were recast, hardware was polished, and period pressed tile and leg tubs were reinstalled in the bathrooms.

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