2018 APT Conference Wrap-Up - Masonry Workshop, Guaranty Building

The Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) 2018 Conference wrapped up on September 27th in Buffalo, New York. 2018 marked the 50th year for this multi-disciplinary, membership organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving and preserving historic structures. This annual conference provided a unique opportunity for experts in the industry to network and exchange ideas, and with this year’s conference being located in Buffalo, NY, it gave participants an opportunity to learn and interact directly with John Krouse, CEO of Boston Valley Terra Cotta.

Association for Preservation Technology International, APT Conference, Terra Cotta Masonry Demonstration

A section detail drawing for the training mock-up cornice assembly, attached to the physical mock-up, demonstrated at the 2018 APT Conference workshop.

During the conference, Boston Valley participated in various workshops focused on the methods and materials used to maintain, conserve, and protect terra cotta facades. In collaboration with the International Masonry Institute (IMI), Boston Valley presented an informative demonstration on proper installation procedure for terra cotta cornices and coping units.

Cornice, terra cotta masonry, APT conference, Boston Valley Terra Cotta, The International Masonry Institute

A profile view of the cornice assembly mock-up.

In addition to the workshops, John Krouse, along with Peter T. Flynn, design principal at Flynn Battaglia, participated in a presentation detailing the historic restoration of Louis Sullivan’s Guaranty Building. Their collaborative presentation highlighted their firm’s exploration in the process of historic terra cotta replacement of this landmark building, including repair and cleaning, and lessons learned during the project.