IMI Launches New Restoration Certificate Program

JOURNAL: ISSUE 2 - 2014

IMI National Safety Coordinator Mike Kassman takes students on a behind-the-scenes tour of earthquake repairs at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Kneeling from left, Mike Kassman, Keith Inglin and Eric Doherty, both of Local 4 NJ, and Jorge Lopez Martinez of Local 1 CT. Standing from left, Jeovanny Vicuna of Local 1 CT, Derek Cattell of Local 1 SK, Patrick Masterson of Local 1 CT, Tony Bittner of Local 4 IN/KY, Clifford Kobelsky of Local 1 SK, Matthew Cecora Local 2 MI, Michael Hammond Local 3 NY, Andrew Turner Local 2 NY/VT, and Robert Ridgeway of Local 5 OK/AR/TX.

The first restoration certificate course in historic masonry restoration and preservation was presented at the Flynn Center in Bowie, MD from March 10 to 21, 2014. Fourteen BAC members from across the U.S. and Canada attended. The program is geared toward craftworkers with at least 10 years’ experience who want to gain insight into historic building technology and current materials and methods for repairs – an increasing area of work for BAC members.

Core modules included Fundamentals of Historic Preservation, Introduction to Architecture/Building Technology, Introduction to Materials/Deterioration, and Historic Structure & Condition Reports. Participants took a written exam at the end of each week and were also evaluated on their ability to execute the hands-on training throughout the two-week training. Other training modules were historic mortars and pointing, brick restoration, terra cotta restoration, stone restoration/Dutchman repair, concrete restoration, masonry cleaning, mold making and casting, caulking/sealants, consolidants/coatings, and pinning and grout injection.

The course was developed by IMI’s National Safety Coordinator Mike Kassman, who holds a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation, and Roy Ingraffia, Marketing Director for Philadelphia and South New Jersey, who also teaches a graduate course in masonry restoration at University of Pennsylvania. Besides IMI instructors, course lecturers included experts from leading architectural and engineering firms and government agencies.

The next two-week course is scheduled for October 6-17th at the Flynn Center in Bowie with more to follow in early 2015. The goal is to develop a curriculum for a train-the-trainer program so that the course can be taught at the Local Union or ADC level.

Instructor Stewart “Bruce” Wright of the National Park Service demonstrates a Dutchman repair to students.	Local1 NY Training Director Dennis Holloway tries out stone carving techniques.
Roy Ingraffia, IMI Marketing Director for Philadelphia and South New Jersey, left, discusses projects with students.	BAC members learn to replicate vintage mortar joints.

BAC members take part in a lintel replacement exercise.

Gaining experience in mold-making.