The Administration Building is nestled in the heart of the University of Idaho’s Campus in Moscow, Idaho. It has an important place in Idaho’s history, and contributes significantly to the campus. It was important to the University to restore this building and provide critical life safety upgrades. CSHQA in association with Associated Architects, LLP completed the restoration of the three-story entry foyer and north entry of the Administration Building. Work also included the installation of additional sprinklers in the corridors per the Fire Marshal’s master plan to bring the building up to fire code.
Primary goals of the project were to preserve the integrity of the existing materials and structure; restore the historic elements of the building; provide critical life safety upgrades; remove non-original materials; and conceal exposed electrical and fire protection pipes and conduit. In addition, the scope of work included the restoration of the historic tile mosaic at the north entrance and provided life safety upgrades to the north stairs and sidewalk.
Specifically, the project included the restoration of historic finishes such as plaster, wood flooring and trim, marble and terrazzo; the addition of a code compliant glass guardrail on the grand staircase; the replacement of outdated lighting with new historically complimentary light fixtures; and upgrades to the antiquated steam pipes and radiators.
Exterior renovation included repair and replacement of the exterior clay brick and cast stone masonry systems, including tuck pointing of deteriorated portions of the clay brick masonry grout, repair of cast stone elements, and replacement of historic finials. It also included the stabilization of deteriorated parapets, and life safety/ADA upgrades to non-compliant railings and walkways around the building.
Many historic preservation techniques were utilized in the restoration and adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties was a top priority.
