Built in 1849, Centennial House is the oldest existing building in Corpus Christi. During routine maintenance work, severe damage was discovered. The mortar in its load-bearing brick walls had deteriorated to the point where the house was in danger of collapse.
A thorough investigation revealed that the mortar had been damaged by exposure to water rising up the wall from the ground (a condition known as rising damp) and from other sources, such as roof drainage, wind-blown water, and surface water.
The most dramatic portion of the project was the masonry rehabilitation. Once the existing plaster was removed, the extent of the damage became apparent.
Portions of the load-bearing masonry walls were taken down in small sections and rebuilt from both the interior and exterior.
