Historic Newport
AT RISK
85 Touro: The Levi Gale House. Circa 1833. Designed by Russell Warren. Why would I list this very important historic building on a risk list? Especially when it appears from this image (8-14-06) that the building is being restored and painted. About a dozen years ago, all the paint from this building was removed down to the bare wood. I suspect that this was the first time since the home was built that all the paint was stripped. Removing paint from wood is usually not an issue; however, in this case, the paint was removed by sandblasting. Sandblasting paint off old wood is just about the worst thing you can do to an old house. The force of the air driven sand exposes the grain of the wood and ultimately leads to rot and a general deterioration of the planks. In the image we see replaced boards that under most circumstances should not have had to be replaced: they rotted to the point that they had to be removed. Every surface of this building with the exception of the capitols was sandblasted. This building will continue to have problems for the duration. The local Historic District Commission should have judgement as to how paint is removed within an Historic District. Somehow, this fell through the cracks on this building.
Notice the raised grain of the wood which was exposed by sandblasting.
Not only is the flat surface vulnerable but corners are also especially vulnerable when sandblasted.
Replaced siding because of sandblasting.
I do not believe that the capitols were sandblasted.
The entire bottom of the pilaster was rotted and has to be replaced.
Visitors since 01-17-01
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