Saint Gaudens National Historic Site

Chimney Preservation at ASPET
Cornish, New Hampshire

Constructed in approximately 1817, the house served as the residence of the sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens. The historic building was experiencing continuous water infiltration and progressive deterioration of the east and west gables, and potential structural degradation of the chimneys. Gale reviewed the historic structure report (HSR) and the building’s repair history. We also performed interior and exterior enclosure evaluations as well as limited destructive testing. This allowed Gale to provide the National Park Services (NPS) with an in-depth analysis of the existing conditions, identifying the sources of moisture infiltration and outlining the repair alternatives. All of our recommendations are based on a preservation approach of the existing site and on restoring ASPET to its period of significance (the period of Saint Gaudens tenancy).