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Paul Davis Helps to Restore Historic Board of Trade Building

By: Paul Davis Restoration |  7 Shares     130 Reads

April 22, 2013 // Franchising.com // Bayfield, Wis. – JP Korpi, owner of Paul Davis Emergency Services recently provided specialized equipment, structural clean-up, property restoration and drying expertise to restore the detailed and intricately carved plaster ceilings and walls at the national landmark, Board of Trade building, 302 West 1st Street in Duluth. In February, a water loss occurred from a roof drain leak with water and melted snow running from the building space above the eighth floor ceiling while saturating the walls down to the first floor.

The significant history of the building required a highly-trained and specialized crew to complete the delicate work. The current building was built in 1895 and was the tallest building in Duluth from the time it was built until 1910. The building housed the Duluth Board of Trade from 1881 until 1946. It was the fourth building to house the Board of Trade, and was built in response to a fire that destroyed the previous building in 1894. The intricate carvings in the red brick and sandstone facade are attributed to local mason George Thrana. The Board of Trade Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing member of the Duluth Commercial Historic District. Also, where the damage occurred, the eight floor of the building was once a commodities trading floor and now serves as a practice space for the renowned Minnesota Ballet.

Korpi’s work initially began after a call from the Board of Trade building’s property manager about the loss. Korpi was on the job the next day and worked with J. Murphy, co-owner of Paul Davis National, the large loss specialists for the franchise office system. Korpi and Murphy reviewed the damage and developed a plan to immediately provide emergency mitigation services along with consulting with an industrial hygienist who tested for bacterial materials from bat and pigeon droppings that mixed with water that ran through the building. Air samples and swipe tests were also taken to analyze biological contaminants, lead paint, asbestos and mold.

Korpi began the job using thermal imaging to determine moisture in the building along with dehumidification equipment and heat to eliminate any moisture that was present, but only after the tests for contaminants and results were confirmed. Tests results showed there were no contaminants and Korpi was able to proceed with the clean-up and drying and also helped facilitate the subcontracting of local painters for job completion.

“We were so impressed with the beauty of the building and the intricate interiors while providing the right expertise needed to accomplish the job,” said Korpi. “Scaffolding was required to reach the ceilings on the top floor with cleaning and drying of plaster tiles, embedded lion’s heads, and delicate scrolling among other design details,” he said. “We are proud to complete the work and honored to be a part of the Board of Trade building’s historic heritage in Duluth. The Romanesque revival period of the interior design has been saved and restored.”

Korpi opened Paul Davis Emergency Services of Northern Highlands in 2012. The company is a leading provider of fire, water and mold damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties. The firm also specializes in rapid emergency mitigation services including board-ups, crime, trauma scene, and bio-hazard recovery. Services are available 24 hours a day with an emergency on-site arrival time within two to four hours.

Korpi is a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was granted a medical discharge after serving in the Mediterranean from 2000 to 2002. He was actively deployed in Kosovo on Sept. 11 and was then deployed elsewhere after the attack. During this time, he was injured in the line of duty. Korpi was sent home to the states for rehabilitation. He is fully recovered and active in the restoration and construction business. He and his wife Jamie run the business which is located in Bayfield, Wis. For more information, call (715) 779-0266 or email jpkorpi@pdes-usa.net. Visit the website at www.pdnorthernwi.com.

About Paul Davis Emergency Services

Paul Davis Emergency Services shares the heritage of Paul Davis Restoration, the leading emergency service and property damage reconstruction provider in North America since 1966. Paul Davis is a leader and innovator in the industry, building a reputation for quality work, professionalism, and commitment to providing the best customer service in the industry.

Paul Davis Emergency Services franchisees are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, caring, and customer service. Company owners are provided with continual industry specific training and educational opportunities in mitigation technologies and methodologies throughout the year. For more information about Paul Davis Emergency Services, call 904.737.2779 or visit the website at www.pdrestoration.com.

SOURCE Paul Davis Emergency Services

Contact:

JP Korpi
(715) 779-0266
jpkorpi@pdes-usa.net

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