In 2011, Bi-State Masonry received 2nd Place in the Large Projects category at the MCAA TEAM Awards for our historic masonry restoration work on the University of Iowa Chemistry Building. For context, the MCAA TEAM Awards are the masonry industry’s top recognition program—getting called up on stage in Las Vegas to accept that award was a proud moment for our entire crew.
The Project
The University of Iowa Chemistry Building is a five-story historic structure built in the 1920s, sitting on a hillside overlooking the Iowa River. After nearly 90 years of Iowa weather—brutal freeze-thaw cycles, temperature extremes, and moisture—the building was showing serious problems. Deteriorating mortar joints, failed waterproofing, expansion cracks in the brick, and damaged limestone all threatened both the building’s structural integrity and its historic character.
The university needed comprehensive restoration work that would preserve the building’s 1920s architecture while bringing it up to modern performance standards. And they needed it done right—this isn’t the kind of building where you cut corners.
The Work
We tackled multiple restoration challenges on this project:
Tuckpointing and repointing throughout the exterior, including custom mortar matching to ensure compatibility with the historic brick. Modern mortar is typically too hard for old brick, so we analyzed the original mortar and formulated a proper match.
Brick replacement in areas where the masonry had deteriorated beyond repair. We sourced period-appropriate replacement brick that matched the 1920s material in color, size, and texture so the repairs blend seamlessly with the original work.
Complete waterproofing system restoration on the pedestrian bridge, including removal of the failed system and installation of a new self-adhered PVC membrane. We also added through-wall flashings at critical locations to manage water throughout the building envelope.
Limestone balustrade restoration, replacing cracked and eroded elements with new limestone fabricated to match the original profiles and dimensions.
Concrete restoration work, including new surfacing, stairs, and walkways designed to protect the waterproofing while maintaining the building’s historic appearance.
Building envelope improvements like expansion joints in the brick wythe and new silicone sealants designed for long-term performance.
The project ran from October 2009 through August 2010 in two phases, with winter shutdown between them because you can’t do quality masonry work in an Iowa January. Throughout the project, we maintained strict safety protocols and coordinated carefully with the university to minimize disruption—the chemistry department kept working the entire time.
Why It Won Recognition
The MCAA TEAM Awards aren’t participation trophies. Judges evaluate craftsmanship quality, technical difficulty, how well you respected the building’s character, and whether the work will actually last. Second place in Large Projects put this restoration in the company of the best masonry work done nationwide that year.
What made this project award-worthy was the combination of challenges we addressed and the quality of execution. Historic preservation work requires matching original materials and techniques while incorporating modern solutions where appropriate. The limestone work, brick matching, custom mortar formulation, and comprehensive waterproofing all had to come together seamlessly.
We worked collaboratively with Shive-Hattery Inc. (design and engineering) and the University of Iowa to ensure every aspect met preservation standards. That teamwork shows—when you get experienced contractors, knowledgeable design professionals, and a committed owner together, that’s when you produce award-winning results.
The Result
The Chemistry Building is secure for another generation. All the envelope issues are fixed, historic character is preserved, and the building performs like new while looking original. Students and faculty work there every day, protected by proper waterproofing, sound masonry, and systems designed to last.
This is what proper historic masonry restoration looks like—not the cheapest bid, but the one that actually solves problems long-term while preserving irreplaceable architecture.
Our Historic Restoration Experience
The Chemistry Building is one of several projects we’ve completed for the University of Iowa, including work at Kinnick Stadium. We’ve built extensive experience with universities, schools, government buildings, and commercial properties throughout Illinois and Iowa.
Historic masonry restoration requires specialized knowledge. Our craftspeople understand traditional construction techniques from different eras. We know where to source period-appropriate materials—the right brick, compatible limestone, proper mortar formulations. We’ve worked enough preservation projects to understand the regulatory requirements: National Register standards, State Historic Preservation Office guidelines, Secretary of Interior’s Standards.
More than technical knowledge, historic work requires patience and attention to detail. You can’t rush proper mortar curing or skip steps in material matching. Industry recognition like the MCAA TEAM Awards validates that we know what we’re doing and consistently deliver quality work.
Your Historic Building
Is your historic commercial building showing signs of masonry deterioration? Cracked mortar joints, water infiltration, spalling brick, or failed waterproofing all signal problems that will accelerate if ignored.
Bi-State Masonry brings award-winning expertise to every historic masonry restoration project. We serve universities, schools, government buildings, and commercial properties across Illinois and Iowa. Our team understands Midwest buildings and climate challenges because we’ve worked here for years.
From initial assessment through completion, we ensure your historic structure gets the specialized care it requires. Whether you need comprehensive restoration or targeted repairs, we have the expertise and commitment to quality that historic preservation demands.
Contact Bi-State Masonry to discuss your commercial masonry restoration needs.