Augustana College

Augustana College Stair Replacement, Rock Island, Illinois

Restoring a Campus Classic, Step by Step

The historic limestone steps at Augustana College's Old Main were in a state of disrepair. Showing significant signs of wear and tear, including cracks, chips, and uneven surfaces, the steps not only compromised the safety of students and faculty but also detracted from the campus's aesthetic appeal.

Client:

Augustana College

Design Professional

General Contractor

Market:

Education

Historical

Services:

Caulking/Sealant Replacement

Stone Patching/Replacement

Location:

Rock Island, Illinois

The Challenge: Aging Limestone & High Traffic

As a cornerstone of the educational and historical preservation markets, Old Main required a meticulous approach. Historic limestone is highly susceptible to weathering, especially when exposed to the severe freeze-thaw cycles typical of the Midwest climate. Over the decades, moisture penetration combined with the daily heavy foot traffic of a busy college campus caused the steps to deteriorate. The structural integrity and historical character of the steps needed to be restored promptly, without disrupting the surrounding academic environment.

Our Approach: Precision Stone Patching & Caulking

Over a focused 3-week timeline, TNT Tuckpointing performed a comprehensive masonry restoration. Our skilled craftsmen replaced the severely damaged limestone with high-quality, durable stone. In historical preservation projects like this, selecting the right replacement material is critical; our team ensured a seamless visual and structural blend with the existing historic architecture.

For areas that did not require full replacement, our team executed detailed stone patching. This technique restores the profile of the stone while maintaining as much of the original historic material as possible. Finally, we performed comprehensive caulking replacement. Failing sealant allows water to infiltrate the masonry system, which accelerates deterioration. By installing commercial-grade caulking, we sealed and protected the new structural elements against future moisture intrusion.

By undertaking this meticulous restoration, TNT Tuckpointing enhanced the campus's historical character and provided a safe, visually appealing walkway for the Augustana College community.