Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Client: Oregon State University
Cost: $6 Million (construction)
Size: 43,200 SF
The McAlexander Field House, originally called Military Hall, was
completed in 1910 as a regional armory. Exotic Revival in style,
the building’s materials primarily consist of poured concrete.
The building, designed by John V. Bennes, is situated on the
southeastern part of the Olmstead Brothers-designed campus
and is a contributing structure to the Oregon State University
Historic District. As a contributing building to District, the
McAlexander Field House is considered historic both to the city
of Corvalis and Oregon State Board of Higher Education (OSBHE).
In 2010, the building underwent rehabilitation, focused primarily on improvements to the roof and exterior shell. Richaven served at the Historic Architect to provide support, research, and recommendations for the design team’s phases for the restoration work. Richaven supported the development of designs, drawings, specifications and cost estimates for the restoration of the exterior of the McAlexander Field House,
completed condition assessment, and developed preservation
designs and specifications as well as completed the landmarks
review process for the project.
Specific technical preservation issues include:
- Peeling and bubbling coatings on the majority of
the exterior walls likely due to moisture infiltration,
hygrothermal water vapor migration from inside the
building, and/or inappropriate preparation of stucco
surfaces prior to the last coating - 10-20% failed stucco over brick or concrete (no lath),
including settling cracks, horizontal cracks, and previous
stucco repairs failing - Deterioration of cast in place concrete in the form of
settlement cracking (with failing repairs of the cracks) and
reinforcing corrosion and rust-jacking - Inappropriately sealed sheet metal downspouts with
scupper heads which do not protect stucco cladding - Multiple failures of sealants and sealants installed
inappropriately (tooled flat around window locations)