Historic Preservation Portfolio:  
Allamuchy  •  Ayres/Knuth   •  Van Horne  •  Church of the Presidents

CHURCH OF THE PRESIDENTS, LONG BRANCH, NJ

Click the thumbnail photo on the left to view the enlarged photo on the right.

Owner:  Long Branch Historical Museum Association

Architect:  Michael Calafati, Historic Building Architects

Built in 1879, the structure later became known as the Church of Presidents because it was visited by seven U.S. presidents. The building is being repaired in several phases and will eventually reopen as a museum.

Scope of project:
• Stabilize the structure.
• Replace sloped lower roof.
• Repair flat upper tower roof, crenellated (notched) bell tower, scalloped wood
   shingle siding and architectural detailing.
• Install lead-coated copper rain gutters.
• Refurbish front exterior to match original appearance, including replacing the wood and trim.

Challenge:  The church had abundant structural challenges because it was literally split in two many years ago to add its distinctive tower. Working from the top down, Precision Building & Construction reframed the structure on an unstable brick foundation.

VALUED ENGINEERING:  During the course of repairs, Precision Building & Construction discovered that the wood on the upper tower was rotting, which had to be rebuilt in order to preserve the integrity of the tower. Precision stabilized the tower with structural repairs and replaced close to 50% of the wood.

Result:  The building is structurally sound, and renovations with historically accurate building materials are ongoing.