While most of the work being done by Vision Historic Preservation Foundation (Vision Rockdale) has been more behind the scenes by such things as grant writing, fundraising, architectural and engineering planning, permitting, obtaining products and securing contractors, Rockdale is about to witness things at The 1895 that we can actually see in early 2023.
Earlier this year Vision Rockdale received the first of the windows which will be installed in the bell tower observation deck. Cardinal Roofing has framed in the windows which will have a weighted pulley system just like the original 1895 windows.
Another historically accurate aspect of the windows are the color selections provided their architect, Architexas. Friendship Painting has coated the sashes with a dark hunter green and the inner frames a classic white. The rest of the windows are expected to arrive just after the holidays.
Work on the steel framing for the bell tower has begun at the SWAT welding shop and will be transported to The 1895 for tower reconstruction early next year.
Western Specialties brick masons (pictured above) will brick the bell tower and restore the original architectural details of the south façade.
The bell tower restoration will also include reinstalling the original fire bell with a programmable electronic clapper and a spiral metal staircase to an observation deck. The tower will add 34 feet to the height of the existing structure.
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