Thomas Jefferson High School Restoration

San Antonio, TX

2006 MCAA International Excellence in Masonry Award Winner

Mason Contractor: Shadrock & Williams Masonry
Architect: Ford Powell and Carson

Project Description

Thomas Jefferson High School is the pride and joy of the San Antonio Independent School District. It is listed as one of our nations historical buildings. It was completed in 1931. Buff colored brick, with ornate cast stone was used throughout the campus. Two court yard areas with ornate water fountains are surrounded by the vast campus buildings. The centerpiece of the high school is the bell tower which serves as a beacon with its silver colored dome. The extensive masonry restoration returned the campus buildings to their former glory.

The brick restoration was very challenging because the original structure has numerous different shades of mortar colors. Many days were spent researching and preparing different mortars before any restoration took place. All of the cast stone was completely re-pointed, and damaged cast stone features were restored. Access to the courtyards was difficult because the courtyards are surrounded by the campus buildings, all of the equipment such as manlifts and scaffolding used at the courtyards had to be hoisted over the tall structures by a crane.

After masonry repairs were made, the campus was completely washed down.