Top Work: L.E. Schwartz & Son, Inc.
Replaces Roof at Mercer University

The administration building at Mercer University is a time-honored landmark. The stately structure and its high-rising towers are familiar sights to anyone who has strolled the Macon campus. But even landmarks need help retaining their beauty. In this case, the building's historic slate roof needed replacing. Not since 1910, when a fire damaged one of the towers, had any significant work been done on the roof system.

This modern-day work was a daunting task, since the administration building was the work of G.P. Randall of Chicago, who in the late 1800's was among the nation's best architects. But L.E. Schwartz & Son, Inc., itself based in Macon, proved worthy of 1.3 million job, which it completed on time and on budget. For its efforts, the company has taken Honorable Mention in the 2001 Build Georgia Award specialty contractor division for project contracts between $1 million to $5 million.

Crews removed the existing roofing (slate and flat lock seam metal) as well as the deteriorated wood decking, attendant flashing and the architectural ornamental details. They went on to install the slate in original patterns and install standing seam metal roofing, wood decking and complete all related work, including application of paint to the exterior wood and lead-coated copper. L.E. Schwartz also fabricated and installed the architectural ornamental work, including weathervanes, finials, fencing, ridge and hip cap and the wall and window cornice. Crews used architectural metal that had been torn off the building to create layout patterns for fabrication of the replacement metal components.