Building History

The Pullman National Monument is significant for the origins of the Pullman car company town. The Administration building is the central feature of the monument from 1890 designed by Solon Beman. It suffered a catastrophic fire in 1998 and was reconstructed in a likeness of the original. Brush Architects is involved on
different ends of the same building with two very different clients, The National Park Service (NPS) and the Capital Development Board with Illinois Historic Preservation Department and the Illinois department of Natural Resources (CDB).

Preservation and Building Pathology Challenges

Our assignment as the local architect and preservation technology lead with John G Waite Architects as the Prime Architect with the NPS was to assess the condition of the roof, masonry walls, and windows. The assessment included the hands-on investigation via 80’ lift of the entire south end of the structure as well as interior access of what remains of the building post fire. The goal was to assess the current conditions, establish the preservation protocol.

Design Solution

 For the NPS component, Brush and JGWaite will participate in the extensive Value analysis process to determine the preservation priorities in comparison with the detailed cost estimate. The building needs so much attention and yet for its importance, it is a reconstructed ruin, which opens many discussions on authenticity and future purposing.