Does cornice repair on an old St. Louis building need historic review?
It may. Whether it does depends on the address, including whether the building is in a historic district, so ask the City of St. Louis historic-preservation office before work starts.
The city describes review of exterior work in its historic districts, and that can include decorative trim such as cornices. Outside the city, ask your own municipality.
How is historic review different from an engineer's assessment?
They answer different questions.
- An engineer's assessment answers what condition the cornice and wall are in, why, and what repair would address it.
- Historic review answers whether the proposed exterior work is acceptable under the rules that apply to the property.
One does not replace the other. A condition report will not approve work, and an approval will not tell you whether the wall behind is sound.
What order makes sense?
- Gather safe photos from the ground and any earlier reports or repair proposals.
- Have the condition assessed so the cause and scope are known.
- Ask the building and historic-preservation offices what applies to that scope.
- Have contractors bid against the same written scope.
- Agree on what records you expect when the work is finished.
Steps can overlap, and later steps may change when earlier findings come in. See cornice repair: who to call first.
What should you bring when you ask the city?
- The address.
- Photos of the cornice, taken from the ground.
- Any engineer's report.
- A description of the work you have in mind, even if it is not final.
Ask how your proposed scope should be handled. You do not need to choose a repair method to start the conversation.
Do not rely on a neighbor's approval. It, or a contractor's description of what is usually allowed, does not settle the requirements for your building. Conditions vary by property.
What if something is loose?
Safety comes first. If material is loose over a sidewalk or doorway, keep people out from under it and call. Do not climb up or pull at it. Ask the relevant offices what applies to urgent work at your address.
How does an engineer help with the review?
A written cornice repair scope documents the condition and explains what work is proposed and why. That can give a reviewer clearer information to work with. We do not sell or perform repairs.
What should you send us?
Send the address and a few photos, plus any city correspondence. We reply within one business day.