International Masonry Specialists is proud to have our work recognized by the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. We were honored with the 2016 Award for sensitive restoration. From the BAHA website: Awarded for Sensitive Restoration Proudly featuring a curlicued step gable and elaborate brickwork, the William R. Campbell House is unique in Berkeley and instantly memorable to passersby on Claremont Boulevard. Its architect, the Scottish-born Thomas Paterson Ross, is perhaps best remembered for his Islamic design of San Francisco’s Alcazar Theater, originally a Shriners’ temple.

Damaged brickwork on south façade (photo courtesy of Jason Wady)

After over a century of existence, the venerable building was showing its age. The two chimneys were in bad shape—a mere push elicited movement. The front chimney was broken about 15 feet below the cap. The gable end had loosened as a result of the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Along the top of the southern wall, the brick veneer had come loose in long cracked rows; below these, the steel window lintels were bent.

Rusty nails held the brick in place (photo courtesy of Jason Wady)

Following a frustrating search for a qualified mason, the owners found Jason Wady of International Masonry Specialists. Bringing his European training and experience to bear, Wady attacked the job in stages. On the front façade, the gable and upper part of the chimney were stripped of damaged bricks. Rebar and straps were installed for the chimney, and the exposed gable received a waterproofing membrane. The chimney was rebuilt, and the gable parapet rebricked.

New ties (photo courtesy of Jason Wady)

Along the southern façade, the loose bricks were removed, revealing old rusty nails. The failed flat steel lintels were replaced with stainless steel angle lintels. Waterproofing membrane was applied to the wall; the remaining brick in the repair areas was reinforced with ties attached to wire and screwed to the studs; and the brickwork was rebuilt. The house is now stronger and more earthquake resistant, ready for another century.