Asheville Federal Courthouse Façade Restoration

The restoration addressed deterioration and ongoing water penetration in the cut limestone and brick exterior walls of the circa-1930 federal courthouse. While the limestone remained suitable for restoration, portions of the original brick had begun to fail, and the wall construction had allowed water infiltration since the building was originally built. The work required preserving the appearance and material character of the historic façade while correcting deficiencies within the exterior wall assembly.

The limestone was cleaned and fully repointed, retaining the original masonry while renewing its weather protection. At the brick walls, the design took a more substantial approach: the failing original brick was removed and replaced with a custom-depth brick veneer selected to match the historic masonry. The depth of the replacement brick allowed a modern cavity to be introduced behind the veneer, creating a drainage plane within a wall assembly that had originally been constructed without one.

Because the courthouse is a historic federal building, the masonry restoration and replacement details were developed in accordance with federal historic preservation guidelines and reviewed by federal preservation and building envelope staff. The work maintained the established proportions and appearance of the original façade while improving its response to water infiltration. Construction was also sequenced around the building’s continued operation so that restoration work did not interfere with U.S. Court proceedings.