Columbia College | St. Clair Hall – Columbia, Missouri

Building History

St. Clair Hall is a historic centerpiece of Columbia College, featuring a grand Elizabethan design distinguished by pressed brick and limestone. After more than a century of exposure to the elements, the building’s exterior envelope experienced deterioration, requiring specialized restoration to preserve its architectural character and long-term integrity.

Scope of Work

Mid-Continental Restoration completed a comprehensive exterior masonry restoration of St. Clair Hall. The scope included removing failed mortar and completing extensive tuckpointing, repairing and replacing damaged brick and stone, and applying a natural stone cleaning treatment to all limestone surfaces. Gutters and downspouts were also repaired and painted to improve water management and protect the restored exterior.

Challenges and Solutions

Restoring a historic structure that has endured more than a century of weather exposure requires careful attention to both the original materials and architectural details. MCR’s team utilized selective masonry repairs and replacements to address areas of deterioration while maintaining the historic appearance of the building. Specialized natural stone cleaning helped restore the limestone without compromising its character, while repairs to the gutters and downspouts improved the building’s ability to manage water and protect the masonry.

Results

Through meticulous restoration, St. Clair Hall’s historic masonry and architectural details have been renewed and protected for the future. The completed work enhances the building’s appearance, improves its exterior performance, and helps ensure this Columbia College landmark will continue to stand proudly and inspire future generations for another century to come.