Entry Vestibule & Grand Waiting Room
As part of the extensive project taken on for the restoration of the historic Los Angeles Union Station, EverGreene played a pivotal role in the restoration of the Entry Vestibule and Grand Waiting Room of the station, a significant component of the overall effort. This final phase focused on the intricate ceiling tiles and truss structures. These features housed early forms of acoustical paneling adorned with Mission Revival designs, similar to those in the Ticketing Concourse, which were addressed in phase two. Just as in the previous phase, the original beauty of the tiles had been tarnished by years of use, dirt, and damage.
The restoration process began with a comprehensive visual survey conducted by EverGreene’s team in 2020. This survey revealed significant soiling and hairline cracking in the plaster beams, with isolated areas of wider cracks and isolated paint failure. Decoratively painted acoustic tiles, although well adhered, were heavily soiled. A total of 1,792 linear feet of cracks were documented during the survey. These findings underscored the necessity of a multi-faceted restoration approach to address the extensive wear and tear. To address these issues, EverGreene employed a detailed and methodical process. The initial assessment and testing phase involved a thorough evaluation of the ceiling tiles and plaster beams to identify the most urgent areas of damage and determine the necessary restoration techniques. This phase was crucial for ensuring that the subsequent restoration efforts would be effective and historically accurate. Next, sample panels were developed and tested to replicate the original materials and designs accurately. This mock-up phase allowed our team to refine their techniques and ensure that the final restoration would seamlessly blend with the existing historic elements. Once the mock-ups were completed and approved, the team moved on to the cleaning and repair stage.
After years of dirt were removed, cracks were carefully repaired to restore structural integrity. Compromised fiberboard acoustical tiles were either repaired or replaced, depending on their condition. Finally, our craftspeople undertook the intricate task of inpainting and replicating. Using the original designs on the ceiling as a guide, they restored the historic color, pattern, sheen, and opacity of the original stencils and field decorations. This detailed work ensured that the restored surfaces matched the historic elements perfectly, reviving the original vibrancy and elegance of the Mission Revival designs.
