Masonry Rebuilding

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The Victor Lawson Tower at the Chicago Theological Seminary

History: Built in 1923, this Henry Riddle designed neo-Gothic tower is a compromise of religious and educational design theory. The 180-foot tall carillon tower has a four-sided main structure topped with octagon-shaped forty-foot tall lantern structure, which features gargoyles, stone tracery windows and pinnacles.

Scope: Rebuilding of brick and decorative stone masonry atop the Carillon Tower.

Challenge: Stabilizing the open-air structure while removing the top 25-feet. Carving of new architectural stone elements to match stone that was destroyed by storm. Design and install new heavy-duty roof structure on the lantern.

Result: Successful rebuild of the top 25-feet on stone and brick, including decorative stone and brick lantern feature.

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