High over College Avenue, another discovery!

October 27, 2011

The intricate, decorative elements of a proud building like the Avery Block are a crucial component of the building’s style and personality. Until today, we had presumed the “wreath” band just beneath the cornice and dentil molding was carved wood – with a long crack needing repair.

Next time you walk around Old Town Fort Collins, look up. The details you’ll see in the fine old buildings in town are truly beautiful. They’re also deeply expressive – the collaborative brushstrokes of architects, craftsmen and building owners.

The free-form style of the “wreath” band on the Avery Building is a great example. Located just beneath the strongly geometric cornice and dentil molding, this scrollwork adds a lively sense of flair to the building.

This close-up shows you what we discovered today. The “wreath” band near the cornice of the Avery Building is actually comprised of metal – probably tin ornamentation on a galvanized metal sheet. The “crack” we had seen was actually a joint in the metal sheet.

We had presumed this band was comprised of carved wood, and we had noted a prominent crack that would have to be repaired. Today, a close-up inspection revealed that the band is actually made of galvanized metal. The graceful decorations are probably made of tin soldered to the metal band.

Now, we’re shifting gears and looking for a source to replicate the decorations. We’ll also strip the peeling paint from the metal band – and prepare it for another hundred years of Colorado weather!

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