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The house during relocation.
Once the Lockkeeper’s House was in place, the
exterior restoration could begin. The structure was
aligned with the new foundation and the bottom of the
house was carefully rebuilt. Tall brick chimneys were
reconstructed to restore the 19th-century profile of the
house. The failing cedar shake roof was replaced, and
deteriorated wood trim, the eight hand-constructed
windows, and two doors were either replaced or
restored. The team managed to salvage some existing
window sash locks for reinstallation.
The stone exterior required special attention.
Because of the varied mix of stone, including soft
sandstone, each stone type was restored appropriately
and protruding stones were treated to prevent water
seepage. Vertical cracks were repaired and new
mortar joints were created to preserve the original
stone pattern.
New accessible doors and frames made from
the same wood species called for in the original 1830
specification were meticulously fitted into the irregular
openings and completed with period-appropriate
handcrafted hardware.
On the interior, the second floor was not
reconstructed, in order to create one large space to
welcome visitors. The project team secured the roof
with tie rods and steel connections, and historic joists
Site plan showing the current and two previous locations Courtesy of Davis Buckley
of the Lockkeeper’s House, along with the new entry plaza Architects and Planners
to Constitution Gardens. A KEY TO HISTORY 19
