Lincoln Hall, a century-old icon at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, was in serious disrepair. Bailey Edward was appointed co-architect as historic preservationists, construction observers, and liaison to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IPHA) and the Capital Development Board (CDB).
A feasibility study assessed both the exterior and interior, defining the scope of work to maintain the historic integrity of the building while significantly upgrading operational efficiencies to pursue LEED Gold certification. Execution of the study involved coordination of consultants to test and analyze materials such as original paint colors, type of plaster and wood species of windows and trim, and identification of cleaning techniques for the masonry and terra cotta. Sustainability objectives also dictated an in-depth window study examining the comparative efficiency of restoring existing windows and replacing them. Commissioned by the CDB and adopted by the IHPA, this study set an industry benchmark.
As historic consultants to a project pursuing LEED Gold, Bailey Edward performed an exhaustive window study examining the comparative performance and energy efficiency of an existing window restored, existing window restored with a storm window, and a new replacement window. All options were assessed using extensive criteria and a fifty-year Life Cycle Assessment methodology that emphasized both energy and maintenance costs. Outcomes provided a definitive economic case for the client’s decision-making, as well as a benchmark for future preservation projects.