Over the past two decades, NorthWind’s Sean Boily has been responsible for   several rehabilitation projects on the National Historic Landmark Sitka Pioneer Home, originally constructed in 1934.    The concrete and wood structures of the Pioneer Home campus are unique in that they are some of the early larger scale institutional buildings constructed in Alaska  and demonstrate successful use of stucco in a northern maritime climate.  They have also retained their original terracotta tile roofs, which are the only known terracotta roofs in Alaska.   

Mr. Boily’s first project at the Pioneer Home comprised of the restoration of the 20,000 square feet  of terracotta tile on three separate buildings.   Early assessment by Mr. Boily in 2006  found that  95% of the original tile, made by the Ludowici -Celadon Co. of Chicago, were in serviceable condition, but the underlaying tarpaper was failing.  Restoration essentially removed all tile intact, installing a new triple layer asphaltic waterproof membrane, and reinstallation of the original tile utilizing corrosion-proof fasteners.   Missing  and broken tile were replaced in-kind, using the original casting mold at Ludowichi – found to be still in business in Illinois.   

 Incidentally, restoration of the terracotta tile roof cost approximately 1/3 the price of replacement with a new modern roof and is expected to have continued longevity of another 75 years.  Other work at the Pioneer Home over the years has included miscellaneous accessibility upgrades to bathrooms inside the facility, and a complete concrete, stucco and window restoration of the front entry portico.