Our pro bono contributions to the UO Watzek House were led by Timothy Rea, a 25-year Pioneer employee with both a passion and extensive experience in Historic Register building restorations. Tim is one of the few craftsmen on the west coast to have completed the Historic Preservation Certificate Program at the International Training Center near Washington, D.C.

Built in 1936, the National Historic Register Aubrey R. Watzek House was designed by noted architect John Yeon (at just 24 yrs. old) and is considered a major regional statement of Modern Architecture. The residence is now part of the University of Oregon’s John Yeon Center for Architecture, and is used as a special event facility.

Pioneer donated time and materials to repoint two chimneys built from Mt. Adam’s flagstone. Both chimneys were in serious disrepair and previous work by unskilled masons had caused additional damage. “After cleaning, we carefully removed the previous pointing with pneumatic chisels and repointed with a flexible and breathable natural hydraulic lime mortar to help preserve the stone and remediate the water retention issues. We were able to match a sample of the original mortar taken from deep behind previous repair work and finished the joints to what is believed to be the original style,” stated Rea.