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masonry restoration

Conrad-Aiken House - 1855

Savannah, GA

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BIRTHPLACE OF a U.S. POET Laureate

The Conrad Aiken House was built in 1855 and was the home of William Ford Aiken, a prominent physician, and Anna Potter Aiken, a New England socialite.

Their son, Conrad Aiken, was born in Savannah on August 5, 1889 and lived at No. 228 until 1901. After the tragic deaths of his parents, he was moved to New England. Most of his writing career was divided between Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Rye, England. In 1962 he returned to Savannah to live and write in the adjoining house, No. 230 until his death August 17, 1973. Of his home here he wrote: “Born in that most magical of cities, Savannah, I was allowed to run wild in that earthly paradise until I was nine; ideal for the boy who early decided he wanted to write.”

The historic masonry required extensive attention, and the Landmark Preservation team performed the following tasks on the south (front) facade:

  • Thorough cleaning and removal of biological growth and flora

  • Selective repointing of narrow, fine mortar joints

  • Removal of inappropriate, previous repair

  • Restoration and repair of brick (spalling, inappropriate holes, cracking, etc.)

  • Brownstone restoration on lintels, sills and belt course

One particularly significant accomplishment of the exterior restoration was the selective repointing of the narrow, fine mortar joints. Joints had to be taped off in order to be repaired, as to not cause harm to the surrounding brick.