Preserving History Through Teaching to Restore Historical Buildings
Looking to learn about building restoration?
Classes
Masonry
These classes dive into and cover the fundamental understanding of the actual application of masonry, showing the methodology with a trowel, slick and hawk to provide long term durable restoration of historic fabric.
plaster stucco
Plaster has been around for thousands of years for walls, floors, and hearths. Throughout history, plaster has made many developments starting from clay mud to create walls, floors, and hearths.
tuck pointing
In order to preserve history, we must know how to preserve the architecture that surrounds us every day. Understanding pointing and re-pointing can help to restore old buildings to their former glory.
Building Renovation Classes
Check out our video going over the details of our classes.
Upcoming Classes
Masonry Restoration, Tuckpointing
9-9-21 to 9-11-21
International Preservation Trades Network annual workshop
Location: Belmont Technical College, St. Clairsville OH
Stone Masonry
9-16-21 to 9-18-21
Instructors: Blair Bates
Location: Tillers International,
10515 EAST OP AVE,
SCOTTS, MI 49088
Register by phone:(269) 626-0223
Services
drone Inspection
With advancement of technology a new perspective of buildings in need of renovation is possible. Initial inspection utilizing a drone allows for a more complete understanding in a safe manor of the overall exterior condition of a structure.
Get a Complete Understanding of the Exterior Condition of a Structure
Latest Blog Post
What do you need to know about salvaging old brick?
3-27-2020
Quite often we find specifications or owners requesting that we are to use historic salvaged brick to match the building that needs work. Recently I view a specification for salvaging brick from a 1910 Era building that was 4 wythes (4 bricks) thick and all of the brick were to be salvaged for re-use. They were to be re-used in mostly the outer wall of a building in my Michigan environment. Now that’s a mistake…
Testimonials
“Blair Bates is my top advisor and craftsperson for anything dealing with masonry and the trowel trades in old buildings. He understands old buildings and respects their character and inherent durability. He has been the instructor at workshops since 2003 for both the Old House Network and the Old House Owners Workshops.“
Sherron Feraro
Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Coordinator
“If you own an old brick building, you need Blair. He’ll teach you important principles that have gotten lost in modern construction trades, best practices and techniques to use in your own work, and how to work with contractors to make sure they’re doing work right.”
Kyle Gulau
Building Developer
“In the 40 years, I have known Blair, his commitment to learning and readiness to share with others have never diminished. He’s an energetic instructor whose enthusiasm is contagious; he really instills in his students the mindset of not just honing the skills but also understanding the materials and processes that go into the work.”
Tom Nehil P.E.
Structural Engineer
“Blair’s enthusiasm and teaching style are amazing. He not only visited our project site but after just a short demonstration, Blair put the tools in our hands and guided us to competence and confidence in the completion of our project. Blair remains on our call list; he makes learning interesting, fun, and as effortless as stonework can be.”
Joan and Steve Eddy
Homeowners Grayling, MI
“I am an Architect working on older and historic projects. I went to Blair’s Historic Mortar classes and learned a lot more than I ever thought. He covers the subjects in-depth and demonstration. You learn hands-on.”
Nelson B. Nave
AIA, Architect
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