NPS – Harry S Truman National Historic Site

PRE-DESIGN ASSESSMENT REPORT AND REHABILITATION OF THE GEORGE WALLACE HOUSE TITLE I, II AND III SERVICES (PRE-DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION), INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

STRATA Architecture Inc. was selected to produce treatment alternatives and designs for the George Wallace House in Independence, Missouri. This historic home was built in 1916 for George Wallace, brother of Bess Truman, on a small lot behind the Truman Home. The historic structure’s foundation was experiencing settlement and structural failure issues which could be observed both on the interior and exterior of the home. Replacing the existing foundation affected both the interior and exterior of the home.

Our first phase of work included an in-depth analysis and documentation of the existing condition of the home and surrounding site through a historic structure report. Once the conditions were fully understood, a value analysis was performed for all treatment alternatives with the National Park Service in collaboration with a value analysis expert and a single treatment recommendation was selected for further development.

The next two phases of work included the production of design and construction documents for the foundation replacement and associated exterior and interior rehabilitation. A few of the items addressed include: replacement of the deteriorated foundation, protection of existing historic landscape features, replacement of front porch foundation, slab and stairs, site drainage and utility improvements, replacement of exterior siding, and protection and repair of interior finishes disturbed during foundation rehabilitation. STRATA performed Title III construction administration services in conjunction with the National Park Service for construction activities which began in 2011 and were completed in 2013.