Facade Question

[Mike Lamb]

This old building has a mortar wash up near the parapet that's going to fall off soon. What sort of finish do you suppose was underneath? More brick? Stone projection?

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[kurt]

It was a decorative metal cornice, usually with some corbeling. Most rusted away in the 50's and 60's. Lots of time it's stucco mesh or even chicken wire under the "parging".

Maybe masonry that was falling apart, but usually metal.

[Mike Lamb]

Thanks.

[emalernee]

Kurt, no Terra Cotta in Chicago?

[kurt]

Tons of it, but not on that building.

If you ever come to Chicago, I'll take you to terra cotta ave.

Chicago was home to several terra cotta mfg's.

[mgbinspect]

It was a decorative metal cornice, usually with some corbeling. Most rusted away in the 50's and 60's. Lots of time it's stucco mesh or even chicken wire under the "parging".

Maybe masonry that was falling apart, but usually metal.

I agree with Kurt. There was some form of ornate finish there at one time that is no more, and the mortar wash was applied to cover rough masonry - not intended to be seen.