In 2006, Robert A. Aird, Inc. completed a comprehensive historic plaster restoration at the Old DC Courthouse, now the DC Court of Appeals, located at 451 Indiana Avenue NW in Washington, DC.

As part of a $99 million full-building rehabilitation led by Hensel Phelps, our scope focused on restoring the building’s original plaster systems, which had significantly deteriorated over time following years of vacancy. The project required extensive repair, replication, and replacement of intricate architectural elements, including cornices, moldings, and ceiling medallions.

Our team utilized traditional plastering techniques and historically appropriate materials to match original profiles and finishes, ensuring accuracy in both appearance and performance. Work also included stabilizing compromised substrates and integrating modern building requirements without impacting the building’s historic character.

This project represents a complete overhaul restoration—not just repair—bringing the interior spaces back to their original architectural integrity while meeting modern performance standards. The transformation is evident in areas such as the restored corridors and courtrooms, where detailed plasterwork was fully rehabilitated from heavily damaged conditions to a refined, finished state.

The DC Court of Appeals stands as one of Robert A. Aird, Inc.’s most significant historic restoration projects, demonstrating our expertise in large-scale, high-profile landmark work requiring precision, craftsmanship, and deep knowledge of traditional plaster systems.