Church of the Presidents Preservation Plan

Long Branch, New Jersey

The Long Branch Historical Museum Association, a 501(c) and a New Jersey charitable organization, is committed to a full restoration of the Church of the Presidents in Elberon, N.J. – the only remaining building associated with the seven U.S. presidents who vacationed in Long Branch during the Gilded Age. Originally named St. James Chapel, the structure was built in 1879 and gained fame as the Church of the Presidents because its congregants included presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson.

The building was deconsecrated and saved from demolition in 1953, and functioned as a museum until instability forced its closure and removal of artifacts and windows in 1999. It is listed on both the State of New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places, and has been named an Official Project of the Save America's Treasures program.

The Preservation Plan, with a total estimated cost of $2.04 million, is divided into four phases as follows:

Phase I…Stabilization… Saved structure from collapse…$250,000 cost…Completed 2003

• Removed remnants of floor frame; poured eight-inch-thick reinforced concrete mat below floor level to support stabilization.
• Replaced deteriorated wooden pilasters supporting trusses in nave with steel L-brackets.
• Replaced pilasters supporting trusses and corners of tower with steel double L-brackets.
• Installed temporary step flashing where sloped roofs meet vertical surfaces, i.e., tower.
• Installed aluminum leaders to drain tower roof.
• Patched crumbling brick masonry on north side of nave.

Phase II…Enclosure Repairs…Restore exterior…$420,000 est. cost…Work needed in 1-2 yrs.

• Repair/replace damaged/missing wood shingling, clapboard, all wood trim.

• Repair wood frame structure above the foundation.
• Repair crenellated parapet at tower.
• Replace all sloped roofs – new wood shingle roof on new open-spaced wood lath.

• Replace flat metal pan roof at tower, including inside of parapet wall and sheathing replacement.
• Install new lead-coated copper gutters and downspouts.
• Repair/preserve belfry and bell (underway with matching Monmouth County Historical Commission grant).
• Assess stained glass windows for repair/preservation.
• Repaint exterior according to historical color scheme (two principal colors and one accent color).

Phase III…Structural Repairs/Interior/Systems…$1.1 million est. cost…Work needed in 3-4 yrs.

• Underpin brick foundation at transepts and altar/apse to secure foundation.

• Remove paint from brickwork to preserve existing and replace damaged bricks.
• Reconstruct approximately 50 percent of brick masonry, and repoint the remaining foundation.
• Apply new red lime wash to brick foundation.

• Install new floor frame and flooring, and restore windows, doors, and interior finishes.
• Install new Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems, site services (electrical, water, sewerage, gas), and a life safety/emergency/fire detection system.
• Repair existing brick walkways and install new concrete walkways.
• Restore/replicate interior trim (wainscoting/door/window trim, wall base, bracket covers).

Phase IV…Full Site Restoration…$270,000 est. cost…Work required for full site use

· Upgrade primary outbuilding with restroom facilities to meet occupancy load of 300, install new electrical, heating, and ventilation systems, and life safety/emergency/fire detection system.

· Install permanent exterior ramp to accommodate physically handicapped.

· Install exit signs, pull boxes, enunciator panel.

· Pave for limited use access and barrier-free parking.

· Repair/restore Garfield teahouse with new concrete slab foundation, epoxy consolidation of railroad tie construction, trim, roof, and door repairs, and exterior paint.

The Preservation Plan was prepared by Historic Building Architects LLC of Trenton.