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Renaissance Historic Exteriors was recently recognized by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Professional Roofing magazine for work on the historic Green County Courthouse in Monroe, Wisconsin.
The profile offers a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at how our dedicated team of restoration experts helped return the 135-year-old structure to its original glory. The courthouse is a much-beloved fixture in the Monroe town square, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, further solidifying its status as a pillar of the community.The scope of work on the Green County Courthouse was extensive. The existing 13,300-square-foot asphalt shingle roof was in significant disrepair and needed a complete replacement, including the plywood decking. Additionally, the courthouse’s upper clocktower and gable parapet walls were in need of a full restoration, a process that proved challenging from a logistical standpoint.
“The typical process of removing and replacing the roof all at once was not possible because of the intricacies involved in various aspects of the masonry and architectural sheet metal coordination, which was accomplished with detailed planning and coordination with the county,” says Bob Raleigh, president of Renaissance Historic Exteriors.
The project also called for masonry repair work that included installing large steel members. This included structural modifications to eliminate a large chimney that was no longer in service on the east side of the roof.
Perhaps one of the most interesting challenges of this project was public safety. Regular courthouse operations needed to continue throughout the duration of the work, and this required the installation of pedestrian canopies and handicap ramps for daily access to the entire building.
The bar for success was high for this project — our bar for any project is high, but the unique nature of the courthouse roof and the requirement that the building remain in use during the work made this project just a little different.
Our expert craftspeople brought the utmost in care, consideration, and technique to help preserve the Green County Courthouse for another 100-plus years. Our work on the courthouse has been awarded a 2024 NRCA Gold Circle Award in Outstanding Workmanship, along with a 2024 North American in Copper in Architecture Award from the Copper Development Association.
“It is a huge honor to have revitalized this cherished 1891 landmark in Monroe so the community can enjoy its beauty and history for another century,” says Raleigh.
While there were certainly unique or special aspects to the Green County Courthouse restoration, our approach to the work was no different than any other project. Whether it’s a residential property or commercial building, our Magellan Building Assessment and Monarch Elite Process ensure a smooth, streamlined, and error-free restoration process.
We’re ready to help you preserve your historic property for generations to come. Schedule your property inspection today.