Summer Construction Project
July 27, 2009In September of 2007, the Kinsman Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) to be used for restoration of Pittock Mansion. This grant-award resulted from the joint efforts of PP&R and the Pittock Mansion Society to request the funds and demonstrate the Mansion’s need for the Kinsman Foundation’s support.
Prior to submitting the grant application, PP&R had a variety of restoration-needs assessments conducted by experts in the field of historic preservation. Once notified of the amount of the award, PP&R was well prepared to identify which issues to address immediately.
The Mansion’s roof-gutter system and downspouts are internal, which presents particular challenges. In 1999, PP&R had work completed to alleviate back-up of the internal gutters by creating overflow drains in four locations around the house. These drains improved the flow of water and mitigated basement flooding resulting from back-up, however, the water splashing onto the terraces below caused damage to the sandstone facing of the house. The upcoming construction will resolve this problem, by adding downspouts and copper piping to channel the water from the downspouts to the existing storm drains on the terraces.
The construction will also improve the waterproofing of the area below the threshold of the French doors on the west side of the Mansion. Water seeping in underneath has caused corrosion of the steel beam supporting the marble landing, with its subsequent expansion resulting in cracks in the marble floor. The new waterproofing will repair the corroded support beam and prevent this problem from occurring in the future. The project also includes replacing the damaged part of the marble flooring with matching marble specially quarried from Columbia, CA.
The total cost for this modest project is estimated at approximately $100,000, funded by the Kinsman Foundation grant and by PP&R’s 100% match of the grant. As the Mansion approaches the centennial of its construction, this work represents a fraction of the facade restoration, waterproofing and seismic/structural work the Mansion needs. By collaborating with PP&R, our supporters and funding organizations like the Kinsman Foundation, we hope to address these needs in the coming years. If you would like to know more about what is needed or how you can help, please contact executive director, Marta Bones at mbones@pittockmansion.org or 503.823.3625.
