Historic Building Restoration: Exterior Painting & Carpentry at St. Bridget Parish in Philadelphia
Revitalizing a Neighborhood Staple
Standing tall on Midvale Avenue, in Philadelphia, its historic architecture is a centerpiece of the neighborhood. We recently had the honor of performing extensive exterior painting and restoration on this historic landmark, ensuring that a key piece of Philadelphia history remains preserved for future generations.
The Grace Kelly Connection
For those who aren’t familiar with the local history, St. Bridget’s is famous as the childhood church of Grace Kelly. Before she became a major Hollywood star or the Princess of Monaco in the 1950s, Grace was a local East Falls resident. She was baptized here, went to school here, and her family were prominent members of the parish for decades.
Our Process: Carpentry and Preparation
A paint job is only as good as the prep work beneath it. For a project of this scale, we followed a strict preservation protocol.
1. Deep Cleaning and Surface Prep: We began by removing accumulated dirt, moss, and mildew. Once the surfaces were clean, we scraped and sanded all wood surfaces to create a solid substrate for bonding.
2. Carpentry and Wood Repair: You cannot paint over rot. Our team performed essential carpentry repairs, specifically focusing on porch soffit repair and window repair. We replaced damaged wood to ensure structural integrity before the paint was applied.
3. Sealing the Envelope: To prevent moisture from entering the building in the future, we caulked gaps in the wood trim. This step is critical for historic buildings in the Northeast, where freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant damage.
The Finish: Restoring the Details
Once the prep and carpentry were complete, we moved to the finish painting. We focused on the architectural details that give St. Bridget’s its character, including:
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Window frames and protective grates
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Exterior doors and railings
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Eaves and soffits
The result is a refreshed exterior that respects the building’s age while providing modern protection against the weather.
Do you have a historic home or commercial property in Philadelphia that needs exterior restoration?
