The 9/11 memorial project was challenging and yet rewarding in many ways.  I first met with the Nature Conservancy team who was overseeing this project  in mid July.  Purpose for the remains  of  this historic farmhouse fireplace was to have a "resting and reflecting " centerpiece site along the 9/11 memorial trail.  The request was to have  this structure stabilized for safety and  restored  with a completion timeline of 9/11/24  for a planned dedication ceremony. For starters, this site had no running water or power.  Also a good number of stones were knocked out while the farm house was being demolished.  Fortunately the excavator staged a decent pile of stones nearby  - (worth noting that all stones used in this restoration were originally from this home).   

It was time to get busy!!

Full commitment was given to this project which lasted over 7 weeks .  First thing was to shore  up loose and falling stones on this fragile site along with in-depth structure cleaning.  Next  was to rebuild a raised hearth for both fireplaces, restoring the arches while removing a wood stove flu (a later addition / not original) rebuilding the corners, and installing a weather proof cap .   Note that because this historic structure was built prior to 1925, lime mortar was used for all the stone repair while keeping color match front and center. 

A commitment was made to have the masonry restoration  completed by 9/1 to allow time for final landscaping in preparation for the  dedication ceremony. That time line was met. 

This memorial is part of the 9/11 memorial trail - a triangular shaped trail stretching from NYC's World Trade center to Shanksville PA to the Pentagon  and back to NYC - a meandering trail over 1500 miles in length.  Being this site is located in Warren county NJ,  there is a dedicated plaque for  those Warren County residents who died that day.  It happens that a close friend of mine, Bruce Simmons  that I knew since High School is on that plaque.

Below are just a few shots on the project and be sure to check out the link that offers up a bit more background on this site.  Enjoy!

 

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