VA National Cemetery Administration

The Tradesmen Group, Inc. was selected by the VA National Cemetery to complete the MSN2 Wall and Fence Restoration Project on five national cemeteries in four southern states. This project included complete restoration and reconstruction of historic iron fence, including application of marine grade epoxy paint to iron fences.  Reconstruction and restoration of brick masonry walls included new concrete footers for wall construction, tuck-pointing, masonry cleaning and brick repairs to wall areas.  New drainage systems to include french drains and wells were installed.

The Tradesmen Group, Inc. was selected by the National Park Service for rehabilitation of the Historic Boundary Wall around the Nashville National Cemetery in Nashville, TN.

The $2M project was administered by the National Park Service – Historic Preservation Training Center for the National Cemetery Administration, Washington DC.

Work scope included substantial quantities of tuckpointing on rubble stone walls, stone replacement, partial wall reconstruction, 100% stone wall reconstruction with new and salvaged stone, installation of new limestone caps, masonry cleaning, new concrete footings and retaining walls, iron fence restoration, concrete repairs and replacement, installation of drainage systems, and grading and turf restoration.

In total, over 950 tons of stone and soil overburden were moved for wall reconstruction and excavation efforts. This includes over 480 tons of new stone installed on the mile long rubble stone wall. All mortar for tuckpointing and stone laying was natural hydraulic lime mortar (NHL 3.5) imported from Germany by US Heritage. 2,800 bags of mortar were used to complete the project. All work was self-performed.

This design/build project consisted of reconstruction and restoration of the cemetery walls.  The Tradesmen Group contracted with nationally known preservation architect Quinn Evans Architects.  Together we provided preservation services to diagnose and restore the aging deteriorated brick walls.  Through this preservation process we restored the cemetery walls back to their original beauty matching the original masonry in every detail possible.  Installation of drainage system along interior portion of wall.  All restoration work was completed with The Tradesmen Group work force. 

TTG was selected for MSN II Wall & Fence Restoration of five national cemeteries in four southern states. Work at the St Augustine National Cemetery repaired and restored the existing tabby wall. The concrete knee wall supporting the picket fence was repaired. A new coquina stone pier cap was custom fabricated and installed to replace a severely deteriorated pier cap. A new cast iron plaque was replicated to replace missing a cast sign. Iron railing at the rostrum was repaired and restored in place.

TTG was selected for MSN II Wall & Fence Restoration of five national cemeteries in four southern states. Work at the Mobile National Cemetery restored substantial deterioration to the iron fence and entry gates. The concrete knee wall supporting the iron fence was repaired or entirely replaced in the most damage locations. The knee wall was coated with a vapor permeable masonry coating. Work  repaired cracked and failed stucco on the east brick wall and reconstructed three sections of the brick wall entirely before being re-coated with a vapor permeable masonry coating. The project also included drainage improvements.

TTG was selected for MSN II Wall & Fence Restoration of five national cemeteries in four southern states. Work at the Natchez National Cemetery restored the entire brick boundary wall. The project included substantial quantities of 100% tuckpointing, brick replacement and partial wall reconstruction. Entire sections of the wall were dismantled and replaced with new concrete footers and new custom matching hand molded brick. Project also installed a new drainage system, a new iron gate and new trench shoring braces.

TTG was selected for MSN II Wall & Fence Restoration of five national cemeteries in four southern states. Work at the Barrancas National Cemetery restored substantial deterioration to the iron fence and entry gates. The concrete knee wall supporting the iron fence was repaired or entirely replaced in the most damaged locations. The project also restored the west boundary wall. Restoration of the brick wall involved 100% tuckpointing, masonry cleaning, brick replacement, and complete dismantle and reconstruction of two wall sections with salvaged and new custom matching brick.

TTG was selected for MSN II Wall & Fence Restoration of five national cemeteries in four southern states. Work at the Beaufort National Cemetery rehabilitated the entire brick boundary wall. The project included 100% tuckpointing all above grade and substantial quantities of below grade wall surfaces. Significant amount of excavation was required to access below grade wall sections. Repairs also included brick replacement, partial and total wall reconstruction and a grade beam installed to preserve a Live Oak tree that had grown into the wall. Wall reconstruction utilized a combination of salvaged and new custom hand molded brick.

TTG was selected for custom fabrication of new iron vehicular gates to match existing but increased in size by nearly twelve inches to allow larger vehicles to pass through the gates. The existing man gate was repaired and restored.   TTG delivered the new and restored gates to NPS for installation by their crews.