Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This assessment took place in April and May of 2016. The notes are
limited to those conditions visible from the ground through straight
visual observation, including that enhanced by use of binocular or
telephoto lenses and a digital camera mounted on remote controlled
quadcopter for photographing roof conditions. The exterior survey
was conducted by Lauren Burge, Michael Sanbury, and James Banta
of CMB.
Formerly known as the Wildwood Estate, the John G. Oliver House and
associated grounds reflect a rich and important history. Originally
consisting of apple orchards and rolling hills, the Wildwood Estate was
developed by Cleveland industrialist John G. Oliver in the early 1900s.
Mr. Oliver is well noted for drafting the plans for the largest telescope
of its time while employed by Warner and Swazey Inc., a pioneering
company in scientific instrumentation and machine tools.
To make the home comfortable and fun for his young children, John
Oliver had a small childrens' playhouse constructed in the woods
behind the home. The small brick house had running water, electricity
and a mini-kitchen with working stove.
As most families did, the Olivers also kept livestock. Milk from the cows
was transported to Kirtland for processing and when it wasn't used at
Wildwood, it was transported back to the family's home in Cleveland
for use there. The Olivers had vegetable gardens on the estate which
provided for the family during the summer months. In fact, Wildwood
was one of the first homes in Lake County to acquire a freezer for
storing food.
Shortly after John Oliver's death in 1939, his daughter Margaret Oliver
Collacott and her husband Robert Collacott, inherited the estate.
The Collacott family had the house winterized for year round use and
eventually by 1949, as transportation increased and Mentor village
began to grow in size, the Collacott's became permanent Mentor
residents. Wildwood remained as one of Lake County's premier
homes throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
The City of Mentor was notified in October 1980 that the Wildwood
Estate would be listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the
United States Department of the Interior. At that point, the City
became eligible for federal grants for acquisition reimbursement in
the amount of $172,000 as approved by the National Park Service.
Timeline/Summary of Changes:
1980 City of Mentor purchases the Estate from May Targett &
Catherine DeWitt. The Estate is added to the National
Register of Historic Places. Portions of the mechanical,
electrical and plumbing throughout the house are
updated. Wallpaper, draperies, and flooring are
changed.
Typical of Tudor style, there are numerous dormers that create valleys
and flashing transitions between planes within the roof system. Such
locations are vulnerable points for water intrusion and must be
constructed with proper flashing details and maintained.
Brick Masonry
The 1st level of the east and west elevations include brick faade
elements (Photos 18 and 19). Additionally, the base of the 1996
addition at the south end of the house consists of brick masonry
(Photo 5). Brick arches at the basement level are visible at the east
elevation, near the south end of the house below concrete infill and
There are four (4) brick masonry chimneys that penetrate the roof
system (Photo 3). No hands-on investigation or close-up observations
of chimneys was conducted as a part of this project, but the brick
and mortar appears to be generally in sound condition with isolated
exceptions such as cracks and spalls at the corbelled top of the main
south gable chimney (Photo 25).
Caulk or sealant of any type does not meet any of the characteristics
of mortar and is, therefore, an inappropriate solution for brick joints.
Caulk or sealant is appropriate between dissimilar materials, such as
between a metal window and masonry.
Wood (Exterior)
In keeping with Tudor Revival style, the majority of the facades consist
of non-structural half-timbering with painted stucco in between wood
members (Photos 3 and 4). Both the 1993 alteration to enclose the
north porch and the 1996 south addition follow the appearance of
the Tudor Revival faades (Photos 5 and 26). The half-timbers appear
to be various widths of 1x members (1x5, 1x7, 1x7, 1x8, 1x9,
The exterior stucco throughout the building is painted and the paint is
typically flaking or failed and missing in many locations (Photos 35 and
36). CMB was informed that the owner plans to repaint the exterior.
Loose paint should be removed with gentle means so as not to cause
damage to the adjacent materials (i.e. windows, doors, and wood
elements), or alter the original finish texture of the stucco itself. Paint
analysis and historical research should inform color selection. Often
stucco was left unpainted. It will be necessary to repair stucco
substrate as a matter of course in repainting the house and a line item
is included for this work in the Cost Opinion below.
Windows
There are 2 exterior doors on the west elevation and 3 exterior doors
on the east elevation, not including the enclosed porch doors (Photo
41).
The main entry door has been reversed in its frame to swing outward.
It has a sheet of plastic screwed into the wood to create a storm
window. (Photo 51) The entry porch has been enclosed with storm
windows and a pair of storm doors. The rear door from the main hall is
also reversed in its frame; this door has a newer aluminum storm door
on the interior.
Exterior doors at the kitchen and porches are all later modifications.
Interior
The first floor entry, living room, dining room and stair hall retain the
original dark finish woodwork. Although dry from years of exposure,
the finish appears to be either an oil finish or a French polish finish.
These types of finishes are easily repaired without completely
refinishing, ideal for a building with heavy public use. Testing may be
needed to determine the original finish and an appropriate
maintenance finish. A few locations of split paneling were noted in
the dining room, and what appears to be water damage was noted
at the stair landing. (Photo 48) Other minor damage was noted
including some locations of loose trim and damage caused by
repeated nailing of decorations into the woodwork. (Photo 52) Some
minor changes to policy and training will help prevent future
damage. In other areas of the house, the woodwork has either been
refinished or painted. The kitchen woodwork is a mix of newer
cabinets and possibly some refinished original cabinets (Photo 46).
They have a light, high gloss finish, popular during the Early American
Most of the interior doors are wood, six-panel doors with mortise
hardware, with original glass knobs. Some additional deadbolt locks
have been installed in the doors serving office and storage areas. The
doors are in good condition and are typically finished to match the
woodwork in their respective locations. There are three pairs of
original leaded diamond-pane glass French doors leading to the
former porches. Like the leaded glass windows these are in need of
restoration. Several panes are loose or broken and cames have
The house has primarily newer furnishings dating from the 1980s with a
few antique pieces of varying eras. If a plan is made to replace
newer furniture, selections based on Arts & Crafts reproductions may
be an appropriate choice. The windows in the living room, stair
landing, dining room and screen porch have non-operable fabric
valences dating from the 1980s. They are beginning to show signs of
age. If they cannot be replaced with period appropriate selections, it
might be best to simply remove them.
Little of the original interior ceiling lights remain. However there are
several original wall sconce light fixtures in the dining room, entry hall,
and second floor bedrooms. On the first floor, the original fabric
shades are missing, and they have been replaced with mid-20th
century Capiz shell shades. (Photo 50) On the second floor, glass
shades have been replaced as well. (Photo 57)
Other Conditions
A brief review of the attic revealed two items of note. First, there is
little attic insulation. The attic has loose cellulose or rockwool
insulation, inconsistently distributed in the floor joists. Ideally,
encapsulated batt insulation should be laid on the plane of the floor
joists and the attic maintained as a cold ventilated space above the
insulation. Second, evidence was noted of added wood framing to
help brace the rafters. A close inspection was not made to see what
type of defect the repair was intended to fix. (Photo 60)
Connectivity/Circulation/Access
The number one complaint from visitors and users of Wildwood is that
one must walk through the kitchen to get back and forth between
the north and south ends of the building. The City has identified a
location where a small addition could be constructed to connect the
two wings.
Kitchen Remodel
Underutilized Space
Events Barn
With good care, the more durable features of the building should
have a long life expectancy. To achieve this, a maintenance plan
must be prepared and carefully executed. Many of the original
materials used in the construction are difficult to locate or not
commercially available now. This means that the slowing of
deterioration will be not only rational but economical. The
maintenance plan is, in most instances, designed to protect materials
from further deterioration rather than using replacements.
Appendix a - Photographs
Photo 8: Moss on shingles at south elevation roof. Photo 11: Shingles at south-facing side of attic gable
at east elevation appear to be different style and
color, installed at a different time than the majority of
the roof. Note deteriorated trim above window.
Photo 30: Wood checking and deterioration Photo 33: Delamination of bracket (east elevation).
adjacent to gutter (east elevation). Note sheet metal cap installed at top of bracket
end.
Photo 32: Delamination of bracket (west elevation). Photo 35: Paint failure at east elevation.
Photo 36: Paint failure at west elevation, main gable. Photo 39: Deteriorated wood windows at east
elevation. Note previous repair in the form of metal
mending plates.
Photo 42: Appropriate Arts & Crafts reproduction wall Photo 45: Arts & Crafts details in billiard room at lower
paper in entry hall. level.
Photo 57: Non-original glass shade at 2nd floor (fixture Photo 59: Bathroom in servants wing at 2nd floor, has
may be original). scored plaster walls to simulate tile.
Photo 58: Bathroom subway tile and pedestal sink at Photo 60: Attic inconsistent loose insulation
2nd floor. between joists and added wood framing.
e. Proposed Scheme 2
f. Proposed Scheme 3
g. Proposed Scheme 4
by ThorsonBaker+Associates
ConsultingEngineers
The electrical work required will be mostly driven by the proposed building and mechanical system
upgrades. The main electrical related deficiency is the lack of exterior electrical outlets and
improvements that could be made to exterior lighting. The following is the anticipated scope of
proposed electrical work.
The preliminary information regarding the proposed elevator and air conditioning improvements
indicates that three phase service will not be required. The electrical service, however, will need to be
upgraded to handle the new air conditioning load. The existing pad mounted transformer location
interferes with the proposed building addition. Our proposed concept for a relocated and upgraded
electrical service is to install a new service panel in the Table/Chair Storage Room in the southwest
corner of the building with a new pad mounted transformer located on the west side of the west drive
in a location where it can be screened by landscaping. The new service panel would feed the existing
service panel and new loads. Feeders could be run from the new panel to the existing basement
underground in the alcove between the Storage Room and the existing south stair to the basement.,
A new electrical panel is proposed to replace the existing in the closet next to the kitchen to provided
the capacity for additional outlets in the kitchen.
Power Wiring
New power wiring to be provided for the proposed new air conditioning equipment, elevator and
kitchen outlets.
Building Addition
Exterior Lighting
The existing building mounted exterior lighting consists of some decorative lanterns and various styles of
HID wallpack and floodlight fixtures. The wallpack and floodlight fixtures provide broad widespread
illumination but at the low mounting heights a lot of glare. Exterior lighting performance, quality and
esthetics could be improved by replacing the existing fixtures with decorative and utility LED fixtures not
necessarily in the same locations. Also walkway lights could be added to help lead visitors to the main
entrance.
Exterior Power Outlets for events and holiday lighting
Power outlets on pedestals could be added to the site around the perimeter of the areas used for
events. Outlets could be provided on the building exterior and in landscaping areas for holiday lighting.
If new paving precedes electrical wiring for new outlets, conduits should be installed crossing under the
drives in locations to allow the wiring to be added in the future without disturbing the new pavement.
Wildwood Mechanical Preliminary Assessment
The mechanical work required will be mostly driven by the proposed building addition and modifications
and adding mechanical cooling system. The following is the anticipated scope of proposed mechanical
work:
The building addition (1st floor) will require electric heat, the existing Kitchens fan coil units outside air
intake needs to be relocated, the basement kiln exhaust needs to be relocated, the outside hose bib
needs to be relocated, the gas line to the rooftop unit needs to be relocated.
The kitchen modification at the existing location needs plumbing modifications which will be required
depending on new kitchen layout.
The building addition (2nd) floor will require a new HVAC system.
Depending on type of elevator, a sump pump may need to be installed in the elevator pit.
Provide cooling for the existing building will require multiple fan coil units connected to remote
condensing units.
\\Tbs-projects03\2016\2016-0225\Cad\Mep\Proposal 4\2016-0225_M1.0.dwg, M1.0, 10/12/2016 2:57:14 PM, 1:1.02326
NOTICE:
THIS ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
DRAWING IS GIVEN IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL BE
USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
THE ARCHITECT. NO OTHER USE, DISSEMINATION
OR DUPLICATION SHALL BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL
COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT AND
OTHERWISE ARE HEREBY SPECIFICALLY RESERVED.
DATE: 2016-09-12
NOTICE:
THIS ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
DRAWING IS GIVEN IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL BE
USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
THE ARCHITECT. NO OTHER USE, DISSEMINATION
OR DUPLICATION SHALL BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL
COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT AND
OTHERWISE ARE HEREBY SPECIFICALLY RESERVED.
DATE: 2016-09-12
NOTICE:
THIS ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
DRAWING IS GIVEN IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL BE
USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
THE ARCHITECT. NO OTHER USE, DISSEMINATION
OR DUPLICATION SHALL BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL
COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT AND
OTHERWISE ARE HEREBY SPECIFICALLY RESERVED.
DATE: 2016-09-12
NOTICE:
THIS ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
DRAWING IS GIVEN IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL BE
USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
THE ARCHITECT. NO OTHER USE, DISSEMINATION
OR DUPLICATION SHALL BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL
COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT AND
OTHERWISE ARE HEREBY SPECIFICALLY RESERVED.
DATE: 2016-09-12
NOTICE:
THIS ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
DRAWING IS GIVEN IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL BE
USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
THE ARCHITECT. NO OTHER USE, DISSEMINATION
OR DUPLICATION SHALL BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL
COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT AND
OTHERWISE ARE HEREBY SPECIFICALLY RESERVED.
DATE: 2016-09-12
NOTICE:
THIS ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING
DRAWING IS GIVEN IN CONFIDENCE AND SHALL BE
USED ONLY PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
THE ARCHITECT. NO OTHER USE, DISSEMINATION
OR DUPLICATION SHALL BE MADE WITHOUT PRIOR
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ARCHITECT. ALL
COMMON LAW RIGHTS OF COPYRIGHT AND
OTHERWISE ARE HEREBY SPECIFICALLY RESERVED.
DATE: 2016-09-12