Restoring a Century-Old Façade in Cleveland’s Historic Playhouse Square District

Technical Assurance partnered with Playhouse Square Foundation on the historic façade restoration of the Bulkley Building in downtown Cleveland. Constructed in 1921, the 172,570-square-foot building is located within the city’s historic Playhouse Square District. Technical Assurance began the restoration assignment in 2023 as part of its ongoing relationship with Playhouse Square Foundation.

The multi-phase project addressed masonry and architectural elements across the building’s secondary and primary elevations. Technical Assurance’s work was developed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Restoring Historic Masonry and Architectural Details

Initial work focused on the building’s secondary elevations. The restoration included tuck-pointing, brick replacement and rebuilding, sealant replacement, and lintel replacement.

In 2024, restoration moved to the building’s primary south elevation facing Euclid Avenue. Work included tuck-pointing, cleaning and patching the limestone, and restoration of the historic terra cotta cornice.

Adapting the Restoration as Concealed Conditions Were Uncovered

The original cornice restoration called for selective removal of severely deteriorated terra cotta and replacement with glass fiber reinforced concrete. Once portions of the existing terra cotta were removed, however, the project team discovered severe deterioration of the supporting structural steel within the eastern half of the cornice.

The discovery significantly changed the required restoration approach. All terra cotta within the affected section was removed, structural steel repairs were completed, and the cornice was rebuilt using fiber reinforced polymer. Work on the western portion followed, with severely deteriorated terra cotta replaced as part of the second phase.

Preserving Historic Character Through Design and Construction

Technical Assurance provided façade consulting throughout the project. Services included review of historic preservation requirements, drawing and specification development, bid management, construction administration, project management, and quality observation.

The restoration was completed in 2025. In 2026, the project team received a Cleveland Restoration Society Award recognizing the completed restoration.