Project Summary
Main Street Mount Pleasant asked Klingner to assist them with their restoration needs of the Union Block Building, which was listed on the Preservation Iowa’s “Most Endangered Properties.” In 2011, the situation became even more dire when the building sustained fire damage.
The scope of work included structural repairs to the floor and roof framing, rebuilding portions of the exterior wall, repointing of masonry, replacement of severely deteriorated stone sills, restoration of historical windows, added insulation to the roof and walls, new fire protection and fire alarm systems, upgraded electrical service, new heating and air-conditioning, a new egress stairway, new floor, wall and ceiling finishes, accommodations for retail tenants on the first floor, office space on the second floor, and banquet facility on the third floor. The project followed the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties – Rehabilitation. State and Federal tax credits played a significant role in funding the project.
Main Street Iowa named this effort as the top honor of their 2015 Awards, receiving the “Signature Project of the Year”. The award honored the city for saving this landmark structure, and for being a catalyst in additional business development initiatives for their downtown area. Additionally, Preservation Iowa awarded the Union Block as a winner for their “Large Commercial” facility category.
