Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Lawson Elser has completed hundreds of renovation projects involving existing buildings, many of which are classified as "Historic". We have extensive experience with investigating and adapting existing structures to new and exciting uses. It is the ultimate in "Recycling" to renovate and re-use an existing building as opposed to demolishing and sending it to the landfill. Renovating historic structures saves buildings that may have outgrown their original function, but are works of art to be preserved and enjoyed for generations.

Princeton Structural Assessment & Façade Renovation

Princeton, Indiana

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Structural evaluation and condition assessment of twenty-eight buildings around the downtown square in Princeton, Indiana. The buildings were evaluated to determine if they were suitable for a façade renovation.


Taggart Memorial

Indianapolis, Indiana

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Investigation and preparation of the repair documents for the exterior limestone skin and internal structure of the Taggart Memorial, located in Riverside Park on the west side of Indianapolis. This the largest memorial dedicated to an individual, Thomas Taggart, in Indianapolis.



Monument Circle – Victory Sculpture

Indianapolis, Indiana

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Restoration of the Victory Sculpture which sits atop Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. The sculpture was removed, dissembled, restored and a new internal armature structure installed inside the hollow sculpture. It was then replaced atop the monument. This was a collaborative effort involving several engineering firms and a bronze restoration expert. Lawson Elser designed the new internal armature.


Harder Hall

Sebring, Florida

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Restoration of the exterior and interior of the historic Harder Hall in Sebring, Florida from hotel occupancy to senior center occupancy. The project inludes a 160,000 sq. ft. three story addition.



Donaghey Building

Little Rock, Arkansas

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Renovation of the exterior facade and interior structure to convert the historic Donaghey Building in Little Rock Arkansas from office occupancy to residential occupancy.


Aurora City Hall

Aurora, Indiana

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Structural investigation, assessment and renovation on the of the Historic City Hall Complex located in Aurora, Indiana.



Eleutherian College

Lancaster, Indiana

In: Historic Restoration & Condition Assessment

Renovation of the historic Eleutherian College structure in Lancaster, Indiana. This building is an example of one of the earliest buildings used to educate freed slaves moving north through Indiana after the Civil War. Lancaster and this structure were one of many way stations along the Underground Railroad system. The building is now used as a historic museum.