Hall of State Historic Restoration

The building was vulnerable to water infiltration, due to problems like uncontrolled drainage paths in the plaza, along with seepage in the stairs, windows, and roof flashing, which damaged interior finishes.

The project entailed an overhaul of the facade, including improving lighting and repairing stone spalling without disrupting the original structure and aesthetic.

Each of the building’s masonry materials, ranging from Cordova Cream limestone to Indiana limestone, alongside sandstone pavers and concrete, needed a unique removal and restoration technique.

The structure’s HVAC system and central plant for heating and air conditioning required replacement, and the building needed to be made ADA compliant without introducing any conflicts with the existing foundations.

The entire process had to be phased to accommodate the Hall of State’s role as a venue and a backdrop for the annual Texas State Fair. 

We evaluated distress patterns, created new drainage paths in the plaza, incorporated landscaping, and improved below grade waterproofing while addressing water infiltration below the stage and in the building’s expansion joints.

Walter P Moore used a “Dutchman repair” technique for the limestone facade, by carving replacements for small cracks from larger broken facade panels, to preserve the building’s original materiality, which meant that only 20 new limestone panels were required. 

We analyzed soiling types to find causes for staining, and worked with the contractor and restoration specialists to create mockups for the least invasive method to clean the stones and minimize harm during reinstallation. 

By developing a priority matrix and scrutinizing it during assessments, we developed strategies for dehumidification to make the new HVAC system as effective as possible. We also carefully calibrated foundation placement to avoid conflicts when introducing new ramps and paths. 

Careful planning ensured that the project met deadlines to complete the assessment phase before the 2018 fair, with the design and bid phase occurring before the next edition, allowing actual work to start right after. 

Walter P Moore’s work in restoring the Hall of State building helped preserve the original grandeur of one of Texas’s most important Art Deco icons, enhancing the building’s iconic visage in a sensitive manner.  

The building uses as much of the existing salvaged material as possible, which reduced the amount of new limestone required for the facade, sourced from the same quarry as the building’s original panels.  

The improved services and accessibility enhance the overall user experience, transforming the historic structure to meet contemporary needs without exceeding the project’s budget. 

Despite delays due to the pandemic, the phased planning and execution process ensured that restoration work was able to wrap up in time without disrupting any of the planned editions of the State Fair.