2011-2012 press archive by American College of the Building Arts

SOUTHERN LIVING SALUTES THE KEEPERS OF OUR CULTURE

From artists to architects, riverkeepers to food advocates, our culture is rooted in and sustained by everyday heroes. We searched the South to find individuals and organizations working to preserve and advance our traditions. After reviewing hundreds of nominations with our panel of distinguished jurors (page 94), weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve chosen honorees, ages 20 to 93, whose stories inspire us and reflect the rich diversity of the Southern spirit. They are otherwise ordinary folks who have done extraordinary things. They are the 2012 Southern Living Heroes of the New South.

PRODUCED BY JENNIFER V. COLE WRITTEN BY ERIN SHAW STREET ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STEPHANIE GRANADA PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBBIE CAPONETTO MARCH 2012 SOUTHERN LIVING

ADVANCING TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH A MODERN SPIRIT

Runner -up Dr. Fred Starr

Winner

The American College of Building Arts Founded 2004, Charleston, South Carolina

from left: American College of Building Arts students Kim Bridges (forged architectural iron work), Cody James (architectural stone), Eddie Stroud (preservation masonry), Cameron Wright (carpentry), Emily Gillett (plaster), and Peter McGuiness (timber framing)

Iron poured. Plaster smoothed. Stone carved. In the belly of the Old Charleston Jail, a group of twentysomethings is learning, not with pen and notebook but with brick and mortar. The American College of Building Arts is the only four-year liberal arts program in the country where students can earn a college degree by learning traditional craftsmanship and modern building trades. The school was created to fill a void when, after Hurricane Hugo hit Charleston in 1989, there weren’t enough trained craftspeople to repair the badly damaged historic homes. Students choose from one of six majors— architectural stone, carpentry, forged architectural ironwork, plaster working, preservation masonry, and timber framing— but have to take classes from all disciplines. They come from all over the country to learn how to restore, preserve, and build. “In a time when we are returning to the values of craftsmanship, this college is leading the way,” says Heroes juror Jim Strickland. “Their graduates are continuing crafts that we once feared would be lost.” Graduates have gone on to open businesses throughout the South, and to restore buildings as far away as Versailles. “Not only are we preserving historic structures that have withstood time and are in need of repair,” says Kerri Forrest, director of institutional advancement at the school. “We’re also teaching students cutting-edge contemporary construction.” Where the two meet, that’s the future.

71, New Orleans, Louisiana; Historian and preservationist When Fred bought the 1826 Lombard Plantation house, it was barely inhabitable. Over two decades, the historian led excavations to reveal details of the original construction, down to the herringbone brick pavement and hand-forged gutter mounts. His restoration, which included replanting a garden filled with persimmons and pomegranates, is now the cornerstone of a neighborhood renaissance. Once-abandoned buildings have been restored to classic homes. And construction is underway on a $30 million riverfront park, signaling a new era for the neighborhood. HONORABLE MENTIONS

Beth Wiedower 35, West Memphis, Arkansas; Arkansas Delta Rural Heritage Development Initiative Beth rehabilitates rural towns through restoration of significant structures, such as the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.

Deke Copenhaver 44, Augusta, Georgia; Laney-Walker/Bethlehem Restoration Initiative Mayor Deke pushed to revitalize neglected neighborhoods in Augusta’s center with new construction, mixed-income housing, and urban parks.

Garlan Gudger, Jr. 36, Cullman, Alabama; Southern Accents Architectural Antiques Garlan reclaims pieces from historic structures for modern use, including designer Billy Reid’s runways. He used his expertise to help rebuild Cullman after April tornadoes. MARCH 2012 SOUTHERN LIVING

expO February 2012

\50 IN A FORMER JAIL, NOW HOME TO THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF BUILDING ARTS, STUDENTS ARE LEARNING TRADITIONAL RESTORATION TECHNIQUES AND PRESERVING THEIR CITY OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, IN THE PROCESS.

COMMUNITY SERVICE issue 50 — 155

Just past the college of charleston, a short stroll from King street’s tourist hordes and the recently restored city Market is charleston’s historic Old Jail – a rambling, 2,040 sq m romanesque revival fortress built in 1802. in the early 19th century, the jail housed slaves and during the American civil War both confederate and union soldiers. A century and a half later, the building – decommissioned as a jail in 1939 – is home to a far more respectable cohort: the unusual student and faculty-body of the American college of Building Arts (aCBa). founded by architect and preservationist John paul Huguley, the aCBa was conceived in the wake of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. The storm, along with its 225km/h winds, battered the city, with devastating consequences. Hundreds of landmark buildings were damaged, many requiring the types of specialised restoration techniques nearly lost to mechanisation and modernity.With so few skilled artisans still working in these fields, qualified talent had to be imported from europe, resulting in a civic soul-searching (of sorts) across charleston, which was founded in 1670 by english settlers from Bermuda. “Hugo made folks question why and how we lost this knowledge of quality craftsmanship in such a short period of time,” says Huguley, who worked for london-based architect/preservationist Alan Baxter early in his career. “led by charleston mayor Joseph riley, we realised there was a strong need to reclaim these traditions, not just in charleston but in historic cities across the country.” funded by start-up grants from both the us Department of labor and the World Monuments fund and backed by politicians, preservationists and business leaders, Huguley envisioned – and eventually established – the aCBa in 1998. from its beginnings, the school has served as the us’s only institute of higher education offering a formalised, four-year liberal arts degree in the traditional trades of pre industrial-era europe and the us. using both the jail building and the more than 1,400 historic structures in charleston itself as a laboratory, the school teaches its body of students nearly-lost building arts using stone, iron, timber, masonry, carpentry and plaster. early faculty members included aCBa “inspirational founder” philip simmons, honoured by the smithsonian institution and us national endowment for the Arts as the most influential blacksmith in contemporary American history and

credited with more than 200 iron gates in charleston alone. A local and national cultural treasure, simmons – who died in 2009 aged 97 – embodies “the aCBa’s innovative concept of retaining the skills that produced the historic fibre of charleston”, says mayor riley, the longest-serving mayor in the country, re-elected in november to a 10th term. Almost a decade after conducting its first lecture, the aCBa has graduated three classes of students – some two dozen in total – now mostly working in their specialised fields. While emphasis is on both preservation and new-build architecture, the aCBa stresses Old World craft over 21st-century flash. “We don’t reject modernism, we just feel there is an equal place for tradition in the 21st century,” says professor of architecture and design David payne, during a break between classes. “We are far more about Andrea palladio here than rem Koolhaas. i guess you could call palladio the patron saint of the aCBa.” Despite passing away in 1580, palladio would likely feel at home on the aCBa campus. The school’s spiritual roots are in europe, specifically france, and the 600-year-old compagnon system of craftsmen and artisans’ guilds that has trained talented young people since the Middle Ages. still active throughout france – and stressing communal living as strongly as carpentry or cabinet-making – a clutch of contemporary compagnons were conscripted by Huguley to establish the aCBa’s initial structure and curriculum. More than a decade later, many, such as Alsace-born professor of timber framing Bruno sutter, are still there, helping maintain the links between the two institutions. from france, compagnon craftsmen are sent to charleston to improve their english during year-long stints as visiting professors. come summer-time, aCBa students travel in the opposite direction to participate in hands-on internships throughout europe, from st Alban’s church and lincoln cathedral in Britain to medieval German schlossen and norwegian wood-work restoration projects. “The way in which the school has successfully motivated young people to take their trade to a higher level has been very impressive,” says compagnon international director Koen Grieten, who’s advised and partnered with the aCBa almost since its inception. “We know the kinds of investment this demands, because we see the challenges ourselves here in europe.”

secure influence —Charleston, USA Preface Monocle visits the school offering hands-on building experience, which has included the renovation of its HQ, the Old Jail.

writer David Kaufman photographer Ross Mantle

156 — issue 50

issue 50 — 157

158 — issue 50

issue 50 — 159

160 — issue 50

issue 50 — 161

162 — issue 50

issue 50 — 163

164 — issue 50

issue 50 — 165

166 — issue 50

issue 50 — 167

indeed, much as in europe, aCBa coursework is anchored around a trade, which students select upon admission and master over four years. Yet, whereas french compagnons are trained solely in technique, aCBa students receive an equally intensive academic education. literature, maths, economics and foreign language courses comprise half of the students’ schedules. But unlike “conventional” colleges, academic subjects are holistically integrated into the aCBa’s mission to develop professional, proﬁcient, modern-day craftsmen. “if the topic is Ancient Greece, for instance, we might focus on the history of the parthenon in literature class, Doric column structure in drawing class and geometric temple proportion in maths class,” says payne. “Our students learn the words for tools and equipment in french or spanish class, not how to read a restaurant menu.We want our academic themes to span across the entire curriculum.” And that’s where the jail comes in. Abandoned for six decades and facing demolition, the jail’s purchase in 2000 provided the aCBa with both a permanent home and immediate large-scale preservation and restoration project. crumbling and uninhabitable – and improperly stabilised after charleston’s 1886 earthquake – the jail today displays the results of more than a decade-worth of aCBa-led improvement schemes. plaster students helped restore the foyer’s crumbling ceiling; a team of iron-workers recreated missing staircase railings; masonry students meticulously re-stitched cracked masonwork; and a wood and carpentry crew built much-needed windows throughout the entire (and formerly windowless) structure. Meanwhile, in the former prison cells themselves, students studied the theoretical aspects of their handiwork. “Working on the jail gave students an immediate understanding of the real-world applications of their studies,” says William Bates, a professor of architecture and design who’s been with the aCBa almost since its beginnings. “in a typical college environment academics and practical experience happen separately,” adds Bates, a practising architect with oﬃces in both new York and charleston. “But here they take place simultaneously.”

168 — issue 50

While the Old Jail remains, the aCBa’s institutional home base, its students now work throughout charleston. Out on James island, for instance, is a three-year-old satellite campus used as a workshop for the aCBa’s carpentry, timber framing and architectural metal programmes. Once an industrial site 20 minutes from downtown charleston, this sprawling warehouse complex quakes with the sounds of freshly-cut wooden planks being transformed into sturdy support beams and fiery iron being welded into delicate metal grills. As richard Guthrie, professor of forged architecture ironwork shows moNoCle round, a trio of blow-torch-wielding first-year students are pounding molten metal to literally make their own tools-of-thetrade. “We want our students to master self-sufficiency,” says Guthrie, who came to the aCBa from colonial Williamsburg. “Tools are expensive but when properly made can last forever.” Over on Meeting street, meanwhile, 22-year-old Ben smiley and emily Gillett, 26, are applying the final touches to a ceiling rose in a Georgian revival townhouse in charleston’s Historic District.The pair inlay almost 100 hand-crafted leaves around a central ellipse produced for their final project. The duo’s design is modelled after a long-demolished ceiling at Drayton Hall, a palladian-styled plantation house 24km from charleston built in 1738 and an important aCBa study site.

list of plates 01 The Old charleston Jail is campus for the college 02 simeon Warren, dean of the college, carving stone 03 Hugh Holborn learns in class 04 Joseph clune, class of 2015, carpentry 05 cody James at work 06 edwin Dargan Johnston at the light box 07 lt (ret) Gen colby M Broadwater iii, president of the college 08 peter McGinnis, class of 2012, carpentry 09 Aislinn lewis, class of 2012, forged architectural ironwork 10 Models and sculptures 11 The second ﬂoor landing at the main campus 12 Benjamin smiley and emily Gillett working on plaster

13 A staircase from a project on circular work 14 John paul Huguley, founder of the aCBa 15 Old charleston Jail exterior 16 students’ plaster work at Drayton Hall, a historic site in charleston, sc 17 Beverley payne, student coordinator 18 Michael lauer, plasterer 19 John J Boyce, librarian 20 A campus exhibition room 21 William H Bates, professor of architecture and design 22 The work area at James island Workshop 23 A class in session at James island Workshop with professor Ken nuttle 24 The main house at Drayton Hall, a historic plantation

like many aCBa endeavours, the Meeting street project blurs the lines between education and enterprise. smiley and Gillett are employed – albeit without compensation – by a private contractor sourced through the aCBa’s work-study programme. for Gillett, a north carolina native who came to aCBa after brief periods at two different colleges, commissions like the roof medallion encapsulate the unique intimacy and intensity of the aCBa programme. “We fight, we’re constantly together; we’re really like a family,” says Gillett, whose sibling-like scolding of smiley is nothing if not familial. “But to see the work you’ve researched and designed finally completed is truly rewarding and really reflects the interrelated nature of everything we do here.” More than 10 years after it was established virtually by mayoral decree, the aCBa finds itself at a crucial crossroads. eager to expand its student base and solidify its financial footing, the school recruited a new president, lt General (ret) colby Broadwater iii, as well as a first-ever director of institutional advancement, former television producer Kerri forrest. A former aCBa board member, lt Broadwater came to the presidency after a lengthy military career including a final posting as chief-of-staff of the us Military command in europe. Broadwater’s most immediate goal is to secure the school’s formal accreditation by the national Association of schools of Art and Design just outside of Washington, DC.While the aCBa is formally licensed on the state level, NaSaD accreditation is required to qualify for most national financial aid schemes, without which students must fund their entire tuition. Broadwater says the school is in the final stages of qualifying for accreditation, which could be achieved as early as this spring. Once in place, Broadwater hopes to grow the aCBa to between 90 and 100 students, increase the faculty size and further explore partnerships with like-minded academic intuitions both in charleston and regionally. plans are also in place to restore and redevelop charleston’s century-old Trolly Barn into a permanent home for aCBa’s trade programme. Broadwater concedes that achieving his vision, much like the military strategies of his former career, will take patience and perseverance. “This is not going to be a perfect process,” he says. “But our desire is to create an institution that will truly be long-lasting.” sounds like a preservation plan spoken like a true preservationist. — (m) issue 50 — 169

detailed drawing, he made polyurethane moulds to produce perfect replicas of various design elements.

ACBA Plaster Work:

from Blank Slate to Gothic Masterpiece words: Maggie Bacon

Michael Lauer, plaster worker and recent graduate of the American College of the Building Arts, can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary with his intricate and skillfully crafted designs. The only school of its kind in the country, the ACBA teaches techniques of days gone by: architectural stone, carpentry, forged architectural ironwork, plaster working, preservation masonry, and timber framing. The school’s main campus is now at The Old City Jail (such a cool place to take classes!).

To create the strapwork portion of the design, Lauer used PVC pipe to mold the underside of the plaster. For the contoured edges on the outside of the plaster he used a horse – an arched wooden device with a zinc blade in the center that, when slid across the plaster, cuts away pieces to form the desired shape. For the decorative border, Lauer made a mould combining four of the tri-foils (the individual circular pieces) to form a linear arrangement. After creating multiple replicas using his moulds, Lauer began installation. A horse was again used to create the shape of the cornice. After recreating the layout of the design, he scored the ceiling to ensure adequate adhesion. Lauer then began installing each piece of the strapwork and cornice enrichment. Slowly but surely, each piece came together to form the Gothic masterpiece that now inhabits the Old City Jail. The Old City Jail is usually open, and visitors can come and check out the school and see Michael’s and other students’ work. If you want your very own decorative plaster ceiling, Michael Lauer now owns and operates his own plasterworking business here in Charleston.

Lauer’s senior thesis is now part of the permanent décor in what he refers to as a “living laboratory” for ACBA students. He transformed the bead-board third-floor ceiling of the main building into an elaborate Gothic-styled, strapwork ceiling. He let us in on his process.

THE PROCESS: 1. Three-dimensional molds out of plasteline clay. 2. Michael developed to form the arched shape of the straps 3. The horse is run along the cornice to form the final shape. 4. Transfering design to jail ceiling

inspiration and to create something that worked with the existing structures. “I tried to find ornamental or decorative pieces throughout the jail, which was kind of a challenge.” Lauer then used AutoCAD, a computer design program, to turn his rough sketch into a detailed, three-dimensional representation of his design. From the

After establishing the ceiling as the location for his project, Lauer made a rough sketch of the design. He turned to his surroundings for 76

ACBA PLASTER WORK 843-801-3588 info@michaellauerstudios.com www.michaelplauer.com

Former ACBA plasterwork student Cody Donahue at work. 77

C U LT U R E WAT C H

Aspiring to Perfection Architectural stone carving shop

The American College of the Building Arts sets high standards BY PATRA TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLGER OBENAUS

Classroom entranceway

he Old City Jail, one of Charleston’s

misery unfolded in the jail’s purported squalid

passed from the jailer’s iron fist, the American

most historic buildings, once

conditions, the Old City Jail was abandoned,

College of the Building Arts acquired the old

housed the city’s most infamous

yet the historic and architectural significance

prison and its grounds, which is tucked along

criminals. From 1802 to 1939, the

of the eerie fortress that includes a wing

a residential street in the heart of historic

city’s convicted robbers and murders, along

Charleston. With most of the jail’s original

with 19th century pirates and Civil War

born architect, continued to flicker within the

structures still intact, the college’s founders

prisoners, met their demise inside the prison’s

decaying edifice.

and board of trustees were drawn to the

dreaded compound. After 137 years of human

In 2000, 61 years after the last prisoner

structure by its history and architecture. They

Landing showcase for senior projects

Restored Charleston iron work

saw it as a future living laboratory and

synonymous with ACBA. This incredible

While the history of the mysterious, yet

classroom for America’s only four-year liberal

partnership between an historic landmark—an

intriguing Old City Jail spans more than two

arts college dedicated to developing the minds

official “Save America’s Treasures” project of

centuries, that of its young caretaker barely

and hands of a new generation of traditional

the National Trust for Historic Preservation and

breaches a single decade. The idea for the

building artisans. So the college acquired the

the White House Millennium Council—and the

college emerged in 1998 when a small group of

structure and immediately initiated an

college has created what is arguably one of the

local preservationists and concerned citizens

emergency stabilization program. A decade

most inspired higher educational experiences

gathered around a single purpose: to solve the

later, the Old Jail is still a work in progress.

in the country, a place where a chosen few are

growing problems in building preservation that

trained to take up the mantle of a dying breed

became evident in 1989 after Hurricane Huge

of skilled artisans in the building arts.

severely damaged many of the city’s historic

Reported hauntings aside, over the last 10 years Charleston’s Old City Jail has become 96

CHARLESTON STYLE AND DESIGN | FALL 11

Computer lab

www.charlestonstyleanddesign.com

structures. Inspired by Charleston blacksmith

have chosen to stay in the area) who have

Philip Simmons, whose mastery of decorative

successfully completed their studies at ACBA

ironwork is celebrated across the nation, this

are already having an impact on the local

group of dedicated residents sought to restore

construction industry. The methods they use to

the city’s damaged buildings to their historic

restore and preserve historic structures are

glory by using traditional building methods

virtually indistinguishable from those used to

and materials. But they soon discovered that,

built Charleston, once the wealthiest city in

in spite of Charleston’s commitment to historic

the New World. The graduates’ contributions

preservation, there were only a few local

are already helping to raise standards in the

craftsmen trained and qualified for the task.

building

(The lack of master craftsmen is not unique to

treasures that will stand the test of time.

Photos by Jennings King Photography

private styling ~ in-home trunk shows ~ by appointment

manship training has steadily declined across

excitement of learning. Clearly, every ACBA

the country over the last several decades.)

student, both male and female, has taken the

Finally, on July 8, 2004, the group’s dream

road less travelled in the world of higher

became a reality when the South Carolina

education. Each has dared to follow their

Commission on Higher Education licensed

dream of leaving an enduring mark on the

ACBA to begin recruiting students.

world of historic preservation. As the students,

design

and

Today, ACBA is the only college in America

always reaching for perfection, hone their

offering a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences

skills in (and sometimes on) their classrooms,

in the building arts, with students specializing

the troubled spirit of the Old City Jail is finally

in architectural stone, carpentry, forged

being soothed.

working,

Work on the historic jail is expected to

preservation masonry or timber framing.

continue for many years, but college officials,

Described as a “trade school, much like MIT is

in partnership with the City of Charleston, are

a trade school,” ACBA offers the finest

already formulating plans to redevelop the

instructors in the building arts available

Trolley Barn as workshops for the various

anywhere in the world, each recruited because

trades. The Trolley Barn was used for mass

of a passion for his or her craft and a strong

transit purposes, first by the trolleys and later

desire to not only teach, but to pass along

by the bus system, until Interstate-26 was

skills to the next generation of traditional

constructed in the 1960s. Built in 1897, the

building artisans. Across the board, the

building was severely damaged by Hurricane

instructors at ACBA aspire to one acceptable

Hugo.

ironwork,

plaster

As the plans for the Trolley Barn unfold, the

standard... perfection! ACBA has rigorous academic standards, as

students of ACBA will have yet another

well. All students have the opportunity to

opportunity to contribute to the growth and

receive a quality liberal arts education while

success of their alma mater, a unique college

they learn the skills needed to excel in their

that will one day provide much needed skilled

chosen

trade.

Interestingly,

ACBA

has

Fine Clothing

248 E. Washington St. | Downtown Walterboro | (843) 782-4345 98

CHARLESTON STYLE AND DESIGN | FALL 11

artisans to all of America’s historic places. 2

intentionally geared much of the college’s academics to real life. For example, instead of

FOR MORE INFORMATION

studying economic theory, the students learn

American College of the Building Arts 21 Magazine Street Charleston, SC 29401 843-577-5245 www.BuildingArtsCollege.us

the

economics

running

their

own

businesses. In fact, a number of the college’s

COLLETON’S

architectural

Today, the Old City Jail hums with the

architectural

1739 Maybank Highway | James Island | (843) 782-4345

creating

crafts-

Charleston—quality

New Location Now Open C O L L E T O N ’ S East

industry,

graduates have literally stepped from their graduation ceremonies into their own thriving companies. The 22 students from across the country (15

Patra Taylor writes about homes, culture and lifestyle from Charleston, S.C.

www.charlestonstyleanddesign.com

Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Newsletter

Page 1 of 1

Woodworking Newsletter Vol. 6, Issue 2 November 2011

News & Events

Featured Articles Bookcase for a Child's Room There's no time like the holiday season for clutter. When it comes time to sort through the chaos, this sturdy, stylish and kidfriendly shelf will most certainly help. Read more...

Recent Catalog Mailings

Features

Turned Bowls Inspired by Banding Tired of finding half your wood block on the floor after turning a bowl? Here's a method that results in less waste and even uses up offcuts. And it's easier than it looks. Read more... American College of the Building Arts A difficult situation can often inspire the creation of something wonderful. That's exactly how this special school, dedicated to graduating master craftspeople, came to fruition. Read more...

What's New in Woodworking

"Little Shaver" Pencil Sharpener

T-Loc SystainerÂŽ Cases

Beall Bowl Buff Sets

Vaccuflexâ&#x201E;˘

Tool Kit for Children

Geometrigraph and Polygraph Set

Polyurethane Wheels

Working Wood, Book & DVD Series

Subscriber Services Subscribe Privacy Policy Newsletter Archive

http://lvott215/en/newsletters/Woodworking/6/2/newsletter.htm

11/15/2011

Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Newsletter

Page 1 of 2

Woodworking Newsletter Vol. 6, Issue 2 November 2011

News & Events

The American College of the Building Arts

Recent Catalog Mailings

The city of Charleston, South Carolina, is home to numerous historical buildings, some dating back to the late 1600s. When Hurricane Hugo hit the city in September 1989, it severely damaged many of these structures. During the rebuilding phase, it became obvious that there was a shortage of local tradespeople trained to do so. Workers who specialized in the restoration of historical buildings had to be brought in from elsewhere. As a result, concerned preservationists proposed the creation of a local school where the next generation of master craftspeople could be trained. After years of planning, The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) received its license to award Associate of Applied Science in Building Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science in Building Arts degrees in July 2004. The school welcomed its first students that year and graduated its third class of qualified tradespeople last May.

Features

The faรงade of the American College of the Building Arts, housed in the old Charleston district jail, dates from the early to mid 19th century.

Curriculum The college's course of study is a blend of a theory and hands-on experience in the student's trade of choice. "We start at the beginning, with hand tools," says Simeon Warren, dean of the school and An interior shot of the building; the professor of architectural stone original English iron staircase can carving. "There is value in learning be seen how to do something simple, like cutting a board with a hand saw, until it becomes second nature. When the basics are second nature, the more complicated skills become simple. We teach the students to take time to learn the skills. We give students a foundation to become masters of their craft." Go to page: 1