Schoenhofen Pyramid Mausoleum Restoration

In the heart of Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery lies the Schoenhofen Pyramid Mausoleum, a stunning example of Egyptian Revival architecture. Designed by Chicago School architect Richard E. Schmidt in 1893 for the Schoenhofen family, this granite pyramid is a blend of symbolic design elements that pays homage to both Egyptian and Christian motifs. Over the years, the mausoleum has faced natural wear and environmental effects, necessitating a careful restoration to preserve its historical and architectural integrity.

Marion Restoration took on this meticulous project, applying advanced restoration techniques to renew the structure while respecting its historic character. Here’s a look at our comprehensive process, challenges, and outcomes in restoring this Chicago treasure.

As with all historic masonry projects, restoration at the Schoenhofen Mausoleum required a deep understanding of original materials and the impacts of weathering on old masonry. The project goals were clear:

• Thorough Cleaning: Addressing both interior and exterior grime, efflorescence, and black encrustations.
• Mortar Repointing: Ensuring all mortar matched the original composition, color, and texture.
• Interior Restoration: Repairing cracked and broken stone sections and neutralizing salt damage.

Every restoration step was executed with precision to honor the original materials and craftsmanship while fortifying the structure for future generations.

Step 1: Cleaning and Surface Preservation

Our team began by assessing the state of the exterior stone, covered in years of grime and environmental buildup. This step involved creating test windows using gentle, hot water pressure, combined with carefully selected cleaning agents, such as D2 Detergent, to determine the best method for cleaning without damaging the stone’s surface.

Key aspects included:

• Black Encrustation Removal: Utilizing specialized encrustation removers to lift stubborn grime from the granite surface without altering its composition.
• Efflorescence Treatment: Applying poultices to draw out salts from the masonry, a crucial step for preservation in historic preservation services.

By removing layers of buildup, we restored the original beauty of the granite, revealing the mausoleum’s intricate details without any chemical etching or damage to the surface.

Step 2: Mortar Repointing and Structural Reinforcement

Historic masonry, especially mausoleums, faces mortar deterioration due to freeze-thaw cycles and moisture intrusion. Our team conducted an in-depth mortar analysis with US Heritage Group to ensure that the new mortar matched the original in color, texture, and composition.

For this project, the repointing process included:

• Spot Repointing: Filling open and deteriorated joints with custom-matched mortar to prevent water infiltration and future deterioration.
• Advanced Sealants: Applying polyurethane sealant at all skyward-facing joints to prevent moisture intrusion.

This meticulous approach to mortar repointing reinforced the mausoleum, improving its structural integrity and aesthetic consistency.

Step 3: Interior Restoration – Addressing Water Damage and Efflorescence

Inside the mausoleum, moisture infiltration had caused severe efflorescence and spalling, posing risks to the interior’s stability. To combat this, we took a multi-step approach to restore and preserve the interior stone:

• Efflorescence Neutralization: Applying poultices to draw out salts and stabilize the stone.
• Crack Repair and Stone Patching: Utilizing IG-10 Injection Grout to fill cracks and reattaching broken stone sections with US Heritage’s specialized stone patching compound.

By addressing these issues head-on, we successfully restored the mausoleum’s interior, enhancing its durability against future water damage.

Marion Restoration’s work on the Schoenhofen Pyramid Mausoleum is a testament to our commitment to historic preservation. The project preserved this unique structure’s integrity, bringing out its original beauty while fortifying it for the future. Through careful stone cleaning, mortar repointing, and interior restoration, we not only restored a piece of Chicago’s architectural history but also honored Peter Schoenhofen’s legacy and his family’s monumental contribution to Chicago’s brewing industry.

With its renewed appearance and structural stability, the Schoenhofen Pyramid Mausoleum stands as a preserved example of historic masonry and restoration craftsmanship. We’re proud to have contributed to the preservation of such an iconic piece of Chicago’s history, adding our expertise to a landmark that continues to captivate visitors with its blend of Egyptian and Christian symbolism.

For more information about our restoration projects across Chicago, including mortar analysis, repointing, and historic preservation services, contact Marion Restoration or US Heritage Group. Let us help you protect and restore your piece of history.