| ARC Terra Cotta Replacement |
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The historic Union Trust Building
in Pittsburgh,
originally built by Henry Clay Frick is now Two Mellon Bank Center. The ornate terra cotta roof is being reconstructed by
Graciano Corporation, under the direction of the
Chicago-based architectural and engineering firm of Raths, Raths and Johnson, using replication castings
produced by Architectural Restoration Castings Company.
Over the years, the terra cotta tiles forming the decorative roof had deteriorated, and were in danger of falling off. Graciano Corp. undertook a complete rehabilitation of the roof and the terra cotta decoration to restore the building to its original appearance. |
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This detailed photo shows the intricate mansard roof and gables. Piece by piece, the individual terra cotta tiles were removed, molds of each were made, and replacement GFRC castings were produced by ARC. | |
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The corner markers of eagle heads were replicated and replaced by ARC, using custom molds, to allow replacement with glass fiber reinforced castings. |
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The two photos at left
show the condition of the original terra cotta elements, which had suffered years of weathering. The original pieces were used by ARC to make moulds for replication using GFRC. (Click on photo for enlarged view.) |
