Abstract Masonry Restoration

03/23/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTs-TWokU_1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

We are Super grateful for Cal Wadsworth Construction, and their willingness to let us be a part of this restoration project.

The Fisher Mansion was constructed in 1893, and is a great example of Victorian Eclectic style architecture.

03/13/2026

https://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/2026/mar/11/carson-city-first-presbyterian-church-hosts-revival-for-bell-tower/

We are so grateful for the opportunity to help and be a part of restoring this historic building.

The First Presbyterian Church in Carson City Nevada opened its doors in 1864, and has been a part of the community ever since. The Tower currently being restored was part of an addition that was built around 1892.

Projects like these are our favorite to participate in because not only do we get to restore this historic tower, but we have had the opportunity to learn about this building from the local members of the congregation.

One of the things our guys learned while working on this building is that Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) raised and donated the last $200 necessary to finish the roof on the original Church building.

Workers from Abstract Masonry Restoration based in Salt Lake City are restoring the church’s two-story bell tower, hopefully prolonging its life for at least another century.

01/28/2026

In 1880 The construction of the Cottonwood Paper Mill began. It was constructed using the discarded, and left over stone blocks from the construction of the historic Salt Lake Temple. After the completion of the mill in 1883 it was used by the Deseret News to make paper. Using both logs from the near by canyon and old rags, the mill could produce 5 tons of paper a day.

After almost a decade in operation, it became cheaper to import paper and the Deseret News made the decision to sell the mill in 1892 to the Granite Paper Mills Company.

On April 1, 1983 a fire began in the mill early in the morning. It is said that many residents originally believing it to be an April fools prank choosing to ignore the alarm. In the course of just a couple of hours, much of the paper mill had been destroyed.

It was partially restored in 1927, and used as a dance hall until World War II. After the war the social scene had changed and many stopped attending dance halls. Leaving the building empty and essentially abandoned.

It was designated a historic site in 1966 by the Daughters of the Pioneers, and in 1971 added to the National Register of Historic Places.

This Building once stood as a symbol of pride and independence to the early settlers of Utah and is a unique example of industrial architecture from that age. We would like to see this building continue to stand. Potentially seeing it restored to its former glory or reimagined in a way that can be useful into the future! If preserving history like this is something that is important to you please follow the link below and help in the efforts to preserve it!

https://c.org/vvcNPqq2wR

01/15/2026

We are privileged to have been able to do some more masonry restoration work on the Cathedral of the Madeleine downtown recently. The tympanum panels above the front doors were in need of some repointing work. These panels originally designed carved by a prominent Pittsburgh sculptor, Francis Aretz, were delivered and then installed above the front doors in 1917 nearly a decade after the original construction. Carved timpanum panels were originally used as a sort of visual sermon or story to help remind or teach a congregation about Jesus. The tradition of telling a story on a pediment above doorway or gable was first employed by the Greeks and in turn the Romans and finally was adopted by Christianity. This tympanum is a beautiful example of Romanesque symmetry and at at nearly a 110 years a nearly timeless testament to the quality of the artist/sculptor and and craftsmen that carved and installed it. Gratitude to our Foreman, Eldy Rone, and his crew Brandon Parra and Raymundo Pedroza for the care they took in chiseling out the deteriorated mortar and repointing those joints with new mortar to help these beautiful Christian relief panels into their second century.

09/09/2021

Abstract is expanding our team. If anyone is looking, or knows someone who might be looking, please help us spread the word! Good pay and benefits. Must be drug free. Send a PM or contact Jamie at 801-509-4807 or [email protected]

11/04/2020

We've had the pleasure of helping restore the brick, mortar, stone and stucco on many historic lighthouses up and down the north west Pacific Coast, but none quite like this one near Ireland. Wanna get away?

10/23/2020

A recent Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency meeting highlighted the perilous condition of the 1892 brick Salt Lake City Mattress Factory located in Salt Lake’s Depot District at 535 W. 300 South.

07/12/2020

11 years ago, Abstract wrapped up a 2 year long project restoring the stone masonry on the famous historic Catholic Cathedral Basilica in Santa Fe, NM. Every stone and mortar joint on the building was affected and experienced one or more specialized restoration treatments. The original cross was badly deteriorated and posed a serious life and safety risk. We removed the cross, carved a new one and set it in place. The original cross was carefully conserved and is on display at the cathedral. With the assistance of the basilica historian, we located the quarry where the stone originated. The quarry was no longer accessible by road, so we used a helicopter to remove hundreds of huge blocks of stone from the mountain top quarry. Then, the stone blocks were carved and replaced those badly deteriorated. Amazing customer, building and project team. This is what life if made of. Check out these photos of the process...

06/20/2020

Earned character. Gracefully aging.
Sharing its story. Timeless beauty.
In time, worthy of care when it is unable to care for itself.

06/17/2020

History repeats itself.
Historic masonry buildings do not.
We do our best to bridge that gap.

We are so pleased to help the Just family honor their architectural heritage by carefully healing the masonry on this special house in Idaho.

One of Bingham County’s oldest homes, dating to 1887, is receiving some needed restoration work. The home is owned by the Presto Preservation Association, a non-profit organization formed by family

06/12/2020

Experts at cleaning, repairing and preserving historic masonry...

To prevent future vandalism of the Utah State Capitol, restoration crews are applying a sealant along the base of the historic building.

05/02/2020

The birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford upon Avon, England pictured prior to restoration in 1850.