Masonry Stabilization at Ocean City’s City Hall

Location: Ocean City, NJ

Client: City of Ocean City

Design Professional: Michael Calafati, Architect

This comprehensive exterior restoration project focused on preserving and enhancing the building’s architectural integrity while addressing critical maintenance needs.

Key Services Delivered:

Façade Cleaning: Performed on all elevations, including stair areas, to remove accumulated dirt and biological growth.

Repointing: Extensive masonry repointing on brick, granite, and terra cotta surfaces to restore structural cohesion and weather resistance.

Patching: Targeted repairs to damaged masonry units, including brick and terra cotta, to ensure long-term durability.

Sealant Replacement: Removal and replacement of deteriorated joint sealants to improve water tightness and flexibility.

Window Coatings: Restoration coating of window frames across all elevations to protect and refresh the building’s appearance.

Stair and Landing Repairs: Included removal and resetting of stair treads, patching of anchor points, and repairs to the upper landing floor and handrail.

Lighting Improvements: Installation of new lighting at the west stair area to enhance safety and visibility.

This project is a great example of a holistic approach to façade restoration, combining craftsmanship with experience to extend the life and beauty of a civic landmark.

Press:

(Excerpt from OCNJ Daily newspaper article by Donald Wittkowski)

“The idea was never to make this building perfect again, because it is over 100 years of age,” Calafati explained during a tour of City Hall on Wednesday.

Even the two-step process for hiring a contractor to do the work was special, said Joseph Clark, the city’s purchasing manager. First, prospective contractors had to be prequalified to prove they had the expertise to perform such a project. Then, they were allowed to bid on the contract.

Joseph Dugan Inc., a masonry restoration company based in Erdenheim, Pa., won the City Hall contract. The company’s experience in restoring historic buildings includes Resorts Hotel and Casino and the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, according to its website.

Emphasizing the intricate nature of the City Hall project, Calafati described Joseph Dugan’s workers as highly skilled craftsmen.

“They’re not your run-of-the-mill masons or bricklayers,” he said. “They’re adept at what they do.”

Full article can be found here