Steeple Square is one of 15 unique and creative buildings from the United States and Canada that recently earned a spot among the 2019 North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) award-winners for its extraordinary use of copper.
Durable Restoration, of Columbus, OH, installed more than 25,000 pounds of copper across the exterior envelope of Steeple Square in Dubuque, IA. For the more decorative pieces of copper, Durable Restoration relied on Chicago Metal Supply to fabricate vented dormers, layered dormers, gable ends, finials and gold leafing.
“Historic copper work is a big part of what we do. Our coppersmiths are some of the best in the country and to receive this kind of recognition is a testament to their skill and attention to detail,” said Gary Howes, Durable Restoration’s Chief Operations Officer.
The NACIA awards program, organized by the Copper Development Association (CDA) and the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association (CCBDA), has been recognizing and promoting building projects in the United States and Canada for their outstanding use of architectural copper and copper alloys since 2008. The annual awards program showcases a wide range of projects, all of which highlight craftsmanship, attention to detail and architectural vision.
“The 2019 winners display a great balance of innovative wall cladding structures and historical restoration projects, which is very indicative of the architectural trends we’re seeing across North America,” said Stephen Knapp, the director of the Strip, Sheet, & Plate Council for CDA. “Copper is truly one of the most versatile and sustainable building materials available. As the green building trend continues, we expect to see the material increasingly utilized to achieve various certifications and environmental goals.”
Because of the variety of copper pieces, restoration crews had to make constant modifications to match the historic nature of the building. Through the efforts of Durable Restoration and Gronen Restoration (the general contractor), the history and beauty of the former St. Mary’s Church will last for generations to come.
“It’s always an honor and a privilege to be trusted with such an important architectural structure in the community,” Howes said. “It’s part of what makes their skyline special, and preserves the history of that community.”
Since its launch in 2008, the NACIA awards program has awarded 144 projects across three categories: new construction, restoration and ornamental applications. All submissions are judged and reviewed by a panel of copper and architectural experts based on building design, use of copper and technique throughout the project, copper installation, and when applicable, historic renovation. To view the complete list of this year’s award-winners, visit www.copper.org.
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