Grant Hall was built in the 1920's, and today, nearly a century later, houses UMKC's Conservatory of Music and Dance. In the 1980's several additions were completed in order to accommodate growing academic programs. Located in the heart campus, the building is dear to its community. The stately brick composition accented with terra cotta flourishes, is a cherished building. IAA was commissioned to thoroughly examine and restore the proud structure.
Our team documented the complete removal and replacement of the existing roof and full tuck-pointing of all masonry joints. Due to the unique color and texture of the historic brick, and thereby its scarcity, IAA undertook extensive measures to ensure the preservation of Grant Hall’s façade throughout the design and construction process. In order to effectively communicate the highly cautious, benign methods of raking and tuck-pointing specified for the masonry restoration process, our designers went as far as to produce a video demonstrating the proper techniques required. Brick salvage yards were scoured from a broad radius around Kansas City in order to locate matching materials. Additionally, all damaged terra cotta elements were removed, repaired and reinstalled, and the building’s signature, copper-roofed cupola was completely restored.
