The Pittsburgh architectural firm LGA Partners in 2022 completed a long-term plan that found no massive structural deficiencies, but that recommended restorations and improvements designed to arrest further deterioration — including repair of the limestone blocks comprising the exterior walls and repairs and readjustment of the steps, according to Society Executive Director Dustin Smith.

The initial column and porch work will take place between September and November and be funded by a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and an equal matching bequest from the estate of the late Steve Sheetz, according to Smith.

The columns — cylindrical in front and rectangular in back, facing Mansion Park — are brick in their core, running from the foundation to the underside of an overhang, but covered at the base and at the top with cast iron, with stucco covering the brick in between, according to Smith.

There are cracks in both the cast iron and stucco, and old sealer has also been peeling off.

The front view of Baker Mansion shows the cylindrical columns that will be repaired. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Workers from Butler Restoration Services of Dysart will repair the cracks and apply fresh sealer.

There will be an attempt to repair the crack in the cast iron by welding it, but welding cast iron is notoriously tricky and difficult, according to Smith.

If it doesn’t work, replacement pieces will be fabricated, he said.

The column work will help ensure structural stability and improve the aesthetics, Smith said.

The wood of the second floor back porch has been rotting for years due to water infiltration, Smith said.

The rear porch of Baker Mansion boasts rectangular columns that are set to be repaired thanks to a $100,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and an equal matching bequest from the estate of the late Steve Sheetz. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Workers from Nicholas Builders of Altoona will use modern preservation techniques to create a sound floor and will install a new railing system that will not damage the historical integrity of the building, so visitors can once again see the surrounding grounds from a point of view that the Baker family enjoyed, Smith said.

Taking a cue from other major historic sites that have undertaken restoration projects, Smith plans not only to keep the museum open during the work, but to invite visitors to observe that work being done, so they can come to a better understanding and appreciation of the details of the mansion and the amount of money and labor that it takes to keep the old building in shape.

“We’ll embrace the work going on, instead of awkwardly ignoring it” or apologizing for it, Smith said.

With the help of the Sheetz estate, the Society’s endowment has reached $1.5 million, according to Smith.

The organization’s goal is for $2 million, an amount that should produce enough interest to pay for ongoing projects without impinging on the principal, at least for now, he said.

Fundraising to close the gap will involve applying for grants and encouraging donations and bequests from individuals and families, Smith said.

State Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, and state Rep. Andrea Verobish, R-Blair, reported the Keystone grant award in a news release.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.