January 15, 2021

Restoring Reddick Mansion - Ottawa Illinois

Heritage Restoration served as the general contractor for the restoration of Reddick Mansion in Ottawa, Illinois—an important pre-Civil War home listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Washington Park Historic District. In addition to overseeing the project, Heritage restored the historic millwork and glass throughout the mansion, carefully replicating any missing elements to maintain the building’s architectural integrity.

Project Highlights

Historic Window & Door Restoration
Lead Abatement & Glazing
Millwork & Plaster Repair
Balcony & Cornice Reconstruction
Custom Woodgraining & Refinishing
Light Fixture & Awning Restoration

Overview

Heritage Restoration led a comprehensive 18-month restoration of the Reddick Mansion in Ottawa, Illinois—an 1858 Italianate home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally commissioned by politician William Reddick and designed by Chicago architects Olmstead & Nicholson, the mansion served as a public library for nearly a century before becoming a museum under the care of the Reddick Mansion Association.

Scope of Work

By 2019, the mansion’s woodwork, windows, and balconies had severely deteriorated. Water damage, lead paint, and rotted materials plagued the exterior, while 94 windows and numerous doors required detailed restoration. Heritage served as general contractor and performed extensive work including:

Window Restoration: Each window was carefully numbered, removed, and restored offsite. Original antique glass was cleaned and reset into repaired frames using fresh glazing. In cases where windows were missing or irreparably damaged, exact replicas were fabricated based on archived designs. Interior finishes included period-accurate woodgraining.
Door Restoration: Damaged and heavily modified doors, including the grand entry, were repaired or replicated to restore their historical form. Final finishes matched the original color palettes.
Balcony Reconstruction: The east-facing two-story balcony had rotted beyond repair. Due to modern code requirements, a new design was developed that maintained historical accuracy while meeting structural standards. Original elements like wood keystones were preserved and reused wherever possible.
Cornice Restoration: The ornate fourth-story cornice was found to be a mix of wood, cast iron, and terracotta. Heritage encapsulated old lead coatings, then applied a historically accurate color scheme with detailed accent painting.
Additional Work: Interior molding repairs, decorative plaster restoration, and awning refinishing completed the project scope. A custom gutter system and downspout painting were added to prevent future water damage.

Completion

The project concluded in October 2020. With its restored features—including doors, windows, cornices, and balconies—the Reddick Mansion once again stands as a premier example of pre-Civil War architecture in Illinois. Located at the corner of Lafayette and Columbus Streets, the mansion now welcomes visitors to experience a piece of state and national history, thoughtfully preserved by Heritage Restoration and the Reddick Mansion Association.