Alamosa Masonic Hall
514 San Juan (Main & San Juan)
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 Undated early photograph of Alamosa Masonic Hall |
"Before" Photograph
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 Alamosa Masonic Hall, 1998 (Note loss of color on the second-story facade)
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Alamosa Masonic Hall
Exterior Restoration
SHF GRANT PROJECT, 2000-1
(Phase 1)
Under the aegis of the Colorado Historical Society State Historical Fund (SHF), a historic structure assessment of the 1887 Masonic Hall was completed in 1998-99 by preservation architect Belinda Zink. Subsequently AURA assisted the Masons with obtaining a second SHF grant to implement the preservation priorities identified in the assessment. In 2000-1 a first phase of stabilization and restoration was implemented.
The $185,986 project included: re-roof and skylight repairs, second-story exterior restoration including windows and painting (return to original colors), and north and west entry door repairs and painting. By restoring the upper story and providing a new roof, the building was secured from leaks and weather and was returned to its status as the prominent historical centerpiece of downtown Alamosa. The photographs below illustrate the dramatic improvements. The State Historical Fund awarded $137,000 to this project.
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"After" Photographs (Phase 1)
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Masonic Hall 2008 |
Masonic Hall, restored facade detail
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"Before" Photographs (Phase 2)
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Deterioration and staining from moisture, damaged
brick, graffiti (south elevation, 2008)
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A missing downspout has contributed to water
infiltration and mortar losses (southeast corner, 2008) |
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Alamosa Masonic Hall
Exterior Restoration & Construction Documents
SHF GRANT PROJECT, 2009-10
(Phase 2)
To address outstanding exterior concerns such as deteriorated and weathered brick on the south and east elevations, and to design storefronts, better accessibility, and mechanical/electrical upgrades, the Masons decided to undertake a second phase of restoration in 2008.
In December 2008 AURA was awarded a $238,864 grant by the State Historical Fund (SHF) for the project. The first priority was to restore the exterior masonry of the south and east walls, which had suffered from lack of downspouts and water infiltration. This work was completed in 2009. The owners separately funded the installation of new gutters and downspouts and sill repairs/repainting.
As part of the SHF project architect Belinda Zink is currently developing construction documents for future phases of exterior rehabilitation such as storefronts and the west elevation. In consultation with the project engineers designs for improved accessibility as well as upgraded mechanical and electrical systems are also included. The estimated total for the masonry restoration and construction documents project is $270,364.
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"After" Photographs (Phase 2)
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 The south elevation (exposed brick) wall at right was cleaned with a low-pressure water wash and repointed.
Brick was replaced in kind where damage had occurred. The building is now better protected from moisture.Easily viewed from San Juan Ave., the south wall now presents a greatly improved appearance from the street and alley.
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 South elevation from west |
 South elevation from east |
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South and east elevations from east |
South elevation from east |
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The brick and mortar of the southeast corner of the Masonic Hall had deteriorated due to moisture penetration where there was no downspout. In addition to repairs to the corner and the area below, three cracks were repaired
on the east wall of the building, which were determined to be superficial (non-structural).
The owners funded the gutter and downspout installation and wood sill repainting separately.
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