Henry County Courthouse Exterior Restoration – Clinton, Missouri
C&M Restoration received the 2022 Award of Merit from the International Concrete Restoration Institute for the exterior restoration of the Henry County Courthouse.
Originally constructed in 1837, the Henry County Courthouse is a prominent three-story structure located in Clinton, Missouri. After nearly 184 years of exposure to the elements, we undertook a comprehensive exterior restoration to return the building to its original appearance.
Built from locally sourced sandstone, the courthouse had experienced significant deterioration over time. Weathering and staining had affected much of the stonework. Approximately 50% of cut stone and a portion of the rock-faced units had previously been coated with a cementitious material. This coating trapped moisture against the stone surface, accelerating decay.
A preservation consultant conducted a detailed assessment and identified key architectural elements in need of restoration. This included projected banding courses, eyebrow arch details, rock-faced features, window jambs, gable features, and round mullions. Restoration work included the use of custom-colored repair mortar for stone patching, Dutchman repairs, and the removal and replacement of over 100 stone units. We carefully sculpted and shaped each repaired or replaced element to replicate the original stone profiles. Our team completed over 2,300 square feet of precision patching.
The restoration team replaced deteriorated stone exceeding 1½ inches in depth from the surrounding surface and repaired lesser damage using patching techniques. We treated surface cracks with Dispersed Hydrated Lime Injection Mortar (DHL-IM), then followed by the application of a Spachtel Surface Treatment to blend repairs seamlessly with the existing stone.
Our team divided the restoration into four phases based on building elevation. Each phase required the use of hard set scaffolding as well as boom lifts to ensure safe and accurate access to all work areas. The entire project spanned more than three years from start to completion. This reflects the meticulous care required to preserve this historic landmark.