Falkirk Interior Finishes Conservation
Interior Conservation of a Queen Anne-style Mansion
San Rafael, CA

Adapted from an 1890s Queen Anne-style residence, the Falkirk Community Center has served the City of San Rafael for over 30 years. The partners of Architectural Resources Group have been involved in the adaptation of the Falkirk property since 1977, when they contributed to the project’s master plan. Work included a complete exterior restoration of the mansion, interior restoration, building code analysis, provisions for disabled access, new kitchen facilities, and an extensive restoration of the greenhouse and lath house.

ARG Conservation Services recently focused its attention on the interior dining room and parlor. ARG/CS staff analyzed the interior wood surfaces and their original coatings, and performed cleaning tests for dirt and stain removal. The elaborately crafted wood interiors were cleaned and re-saturated to return the surfaces to their original luster. ARG/CS matched stains on reconstructed elements and restored areas of previous water damage. ARG/CS provided additional services on the preservation of the textiles on the dining room and parlor, as well as for underlying original wallpaper.