Preserving the Past with Modern Craftsmanship: A Seamless Masonry Restoration in Rochester

At Ember Works, we believe your home’s story deserves to be respected—and that starts with honoring the materials and character that make it unique. In our latest project, we were asked to do just that: match modern masonry work to a nearly century-old facade. This wasn’t just a renovation—it was a responsibility.

The Challenge of Restoring a 90+ Year Old Facade

Masonry from nearly a hundred years ago has a depth and patina that can't be replicated with mass-produced modern materials. Stone varies not only by cut and size, but also by mineral content, regional sourcing, and age. That means a simple swap of materials or a quick patch job would stick out like a sore thumb.

Our task? Remove an old cedar beam that had begun to fail and replace it with a properly supported masonry feature—without compromising the visual history of the home.

That meant more than structural soundness. It meant sourcing stones that matched the original walls in shape, hue, and texture. It meant understanding how the original masons worked. And it meant doing it with the same pride and precision they likely had back in the 1930s.

Swapping the Cedar Beam for a Hand-Cut Keystone

The project began with the removal of a weathered cedar beam above a prominent window grouping. The beam had done its job over the years, but moisture, movement, and time had taken a toll.

In its place, we installed a hand-cut keystone—a classic masonry feature that not only provides structural support, but also brings timeless architectural style. From cutting the keystone to fitting it perfectly, this wasn’t a prefabricated solution—it was artisan stonework from start to finish.

Each stone surrounding the keystone was selected, shaped, and set to flow naturally into the original stonework. No shortcuts. No mismatches. Just thoughtful design and execution.

Seamless Integration: Choosing the Right Stones

It’s easy to overlook just how much detail goes into choosing stone—until you're trying to blend it into 90 years of aging.

We didn’t just grab a pallet from a yard and start stacking. We studied the facade: the way the mortar had weathered, the patterns in which the original stones were laid, and the blend of warm grays and cool browns that time had painted across the surface.

Then we hand-selected stones that mimicked those characteristics—and shaped them individually to fit the layout.

Why This Matters: The Invisible Strength of Detail

It might not be the first thing a visitor notices. That’s the point.

Great masonry work shouldn’t draw attention to itself. It should feel like it’s always been there. That’s exactly what we achieved here—a structural upgrade that quietly supports the integrity of the home while preserving the charm and authenticity that homeowners love.

This kind of detail work is what separates ordinary renovations from truly thoughtful restoration. It’s the difference between “good enough” and “done right.”

Why Clients Choose Ember Works

Whether we’re working on a full home addition, installing custom kitchens and bathrooms, or performing specialty restoration like this—our approach is the same:

• Respect the structure. We don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in long-term solutions that blend strength, function, and beauty.

• Honor craftsmanship. When working with legacy homes, we take the time to understand the original materials and methods. That’s how we build trust—and preserve value.

• Build with intention. Every cut, every install, every final touch is guided by precision and purpose.

For projects like this one, you’re not just hiring a contractor. You’re partnering with a builder who understands the weight of history—and the importance of getting it right.

Thinking About a Restoration or Renovation?

Maybe you're considering opening up a wall, upgrading an entryway, or tying in a modern addition with a traditional home. Before you assume it's too hard to match, call us.

We specialize in making the new feel native. From material selection to finish carpentry and beyond, we take care of the details most builders don’t even consider.

And if you’re working with a historic home in the Rochester area, we’d love to help you make it shine for the next hundred years.

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Looking for expert restoration or custom renovation?
Call Ember Works today at (585) 710-3944 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.