From Broken to Beautiful: Restoration of a Landmark in East Texas
- Tiffany Tillema
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
In the heart of East Texas stood a 116-year-old bank building that had seen it all, booms, busts, and even a mid-century “modernization” that nearly erased its original charm. What was once a proud piece of small-town architecture had been covered in asbestos stucco during the 1950s, a popular upgrade at the time. Beneath that façade, however, the building’s true story was waiting to be uncovered.
Uncovering the Past
When the stucco was finally removed, we discovered that decades of trapped moisture had caused severe damage. Nearly 90% of the original brick had deteriorated, and much of the stonework had absorbed water to the point of failure. It was clear this wasn’t just a facelift—it was going to be a complete recovery.
Recovery/Restoration Mode Activated
Once we saw the extent of the damage, our team immediately went into recovery mode. The only way forward was to carefully dismantle the damaged structure and rebuild it from the ground up using historically accurate materials. Thanks to Acme Brick, we located Smooth Garnet brick, a near-perfect match for the original, and sourced stone that complemented the building’s early 20th-century style.
A Blend of History and Modern Use
While this building started its life as a community bank, it’s now found a new purpose as a modern medical office. The challenge was to honor the building’s rich history while meeting today’s functional needs. The result is a structure that looks like it’s been beautifully maintained for over a century, but functions like a brand-new facility.
Challenges and Surprises Along the Way
As with most historic restorations, a few surprises greeted us along the way. Hidden water damage, irregular mortar joints, and inconsistencies in the original foundation meant that every decision had to be made with care and precision. These projects demand not only technical skill but also patience and respect for the craftsmanship of those who built it long ago.
A Beautiful Recovery
Today, the restored building stands as a proud reminder that even when history is hidden, it can be recovered and revived. Every brick tells a story of perseverance, craftsmanship, and the beauty of blending the old with the new.
This restoration was more than a job—it was an act of preservation. By restoring this East Texas landmark, we helped ensure that the past continues to have a place in the future.
See the process in this progress video:
🧱 Ready to Restore Your Building’s Story?
Contact Tillema & Sons Masonry 📞 Call us at: 903-714-8965
🌐 Visit www.tillemasonsmasonry.com
✉️ Schedule a consultation to discuss your restoration or recovery project.
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