Victorian Mansion Restoration
How we brought a deteriorating 1891 Victorian mansion back to its original splendor using period-accurate techniques and lead-safe practices while meeting strict preservation standards.
Project Overview
Building Age
133 Years (Built 1891)
Historic Colors
14 Historic Colors
Project Duration
8 Weeks
Investment
$142,000
The Challenge
This Queen Anne Victorian mansion, a designated city landmark, had suffered 133 years of weathering and multiple inappropriate paint jobs. The building required complete restoration while adhering to the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Lead Paint Removal
12 layers of lead-based paint requiring EPA RRP certified removal while preserving original millwork.
Historical Accuracy
Matching original 1890s color schemes and finishes based on paint archaeology and historic records.
Deteriorating Wood Elements
Extensive wood rot, damaged corbels, and failing window glazing requiring restoration.
Preservation Standards
Meeting strict Secretary of Interior Standards for historic preservation and local landmark requirements.
Our Solution
We assembled a team of preservation specialists and implemented museum-quality restoration techniques. Our approach balanced historical authenticity with modern protective technologies to ensure another century of beauty.
Lead-Safe Protocols
Implemented full EPA RRP containment, HEPA filtration, and chemical stripping to safely remove lead paint.
Result: Zero lead exposure incidents
Paint Archaeology
Conducted microscopic paint analysis to identify original 1891 color palette and finishes.
Result: Discovered authentic 14-color scheme
Restoration Carpentry
Master craftsmen repaired and replicated damaged elements using traditional techniques.
Result: 100% original details preserved
Museum-Quality Finishes
Applied linseed oil primer and custom-mixed historic paints for authentic appearance and longevity.
Result: Approved by Preservation Society
8-Week Restoration Timeline
Phase 1: Assessment
1 WeekPaint analysis, lead testing, structural evaluation, historic documentation
Preservation plan approved
Phase 2: Lead Abatement
2 WeeksContainment setup, chemical stripping, HEPA vacuuming, clearance testing
EPA clearance achieved
Phase 3: Wood Restoration
2 WeeksRot repair, element replication, window glazing, consolidation
All millwork restored
Phase 4: Priming
1 WeekLinseed oil primer application, spot priming repairs, sealing
Surface preparation complete
Phase 5: Historic Painting
2 WeeksMultiple color application, detail work, gold leaf accents, final coating
Period-accurate finish achieved
Preservation Techniques
Paint Archaeology
Microscopic analysis revealed 12 paint layers, allowing us to identify the original 1891 color scheme of sage green, cream, burgundy, and gold.
Lead-Safe Practices
Full EPA RRP containment with negative air pressure, HEPA filtration, and chemical stripping protected workers and neighbors from lead exposure.
Traditional Methods
Hand-mixed linseed oil paints, traditional brushwork, and gold leaf application recreated authentic 19th-century finishes.
Project Results
Historic Accuracy
100% Period Correct
Lead Clearance
EPA Certified Safe
Preservation Award
City Landmark Honor
Expected Lifespan
30+ Years
"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."
City Preservation Award Winner
"Excellence in Historic Restoration" - San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board
Historical Discoveries
During our paint archaeology, we discovered fascinating details about the mansion's history. The original 1891 paint scheme featured 14 different colors, far more elaborate than the monochrome white applied in the 1950s. We found evidence of gold leaf on the tower finial and hand-painted faux wood graining on the porch ceiling.
Most remarkably, we uncovered the builder's signature and date hidden beneath 12 layers of paint on a protected section of trim. This discovery allowed us to precisely date the original construction and identify the craftsmen who built this architectural treasure.
Have a Historic Property That Needs Expert Restoration?
Let's discuss how we can preserve your building's heritage while providing modern protection. Our preservation specialists are ready to help.