Lost Building Trades

Lost Building Trades are the historic building crafts such as brick and stone masonry, stucco and plastering, blacksmithing and ironworks, and restoration carpentry that are lost or are in danger of being lost. With one of the largest concentrations of historic structures in the South, Richmond is in great need of a training program to educate skilled workers in the building arts. Such a program could provide needed job opportunities, while helping to preserve Richmond's great craft traditions.

Currently Commonwealth Architects is co-sponsoring this new program in Richmond dedicated to the revival of the lost building trades. The goal for this program is to train craftsmen and tradesmen by historic renovation methods rather than preserving our historic treasures by using new construction methods. Initially the “Lost Trades Program” will concentrate on organizing workshops to include a masonry workshop, a plaster workshop, and a carpentry workshop. Eventually, the program hopes to reach statewide to offer students classes in a vast array of historic trades.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the “Lost Trades Program,” please call Sara Scott at 648-5040 x103 or e-mail sarascott@comarchs.com.

Sponsors: