From deteriorating to distinguished: How we brought a 133-year-old Victorian mansion back to its original glory while meeting modern preservation standards.
San Francisco, CA
133 Years (Built 1891)
8 Weeks
7,800 sq ft
14 Historic Colors
8 Preservation Specialists
$142,000
Restoring a 133-year-old Victorian mansion required overcoming significant challenges while maintaining historical integrity and meeting modern safety standards.
12 layers of lead-based paint requiring EPA RRP certified removal while preserving original millwork.
Matching original 1890s color schemes and finishes based on paint archaeology and historic records.
Extensive wood rot, damaged corbels, and failing window glazing requiring restoration.
Meeting strict Secretary of Interior Standards for historic preservation and local landmark requirements.
Implemented full EPA RRP containment, HEPA filtration, and chemical stripping to safely remove lead paint.
Conducted microscopic paint analysis to identify original 1891 color palette and finishes.
Master craftsmen repaired and replicated damaged elements using traditional techniques.
Applied linseed oil primer and custom-mixed historic paints for authentic appearance and longevity.
Paint analysis, lead testing, structural evaluation, historic documentation
Containment setup, chemical stripping, HEPA vacuuming, clearance testing
Rot repair, element replication, window glazing, consolidation
Linseed oil primer application, spot priming repairs, sealing
Multiple color application, detail work, gold leaf accents, final coating
The restoration exceeded all expectations, earning recognition from preservation societies and setting a new standard for historic paint restoration in the region.
"The transformation is breathtaking. They uncovered colors we never knew existed and brought our family's Victorian mansion back to life. The lead abatement was handled flawlessly, and their attention to historical detail was extraordinary. The city preservation society called it the best restoration they've seen in 20 years. This team saved a piece of history."
— Margaret Chen, Property Owner & Historic Preservation Advocate
Our certified preservation specialists bring decades of experience in historic building restoration, lead-safe practices, and period-accurate finishes.