McDonald Mansion, Santa Rosa, California

McDonald Mansion, Santa Rosa, California







As we proceeded with the restoration of the McDonald Mansion a major element of work was the replacement of the original, long ago removed, cresting, that had mostly rotted away. The original house had two tier cresting on the roof. The new cresting is made from a material called Azek and is CNC milled to the original patterns. Azek is made from cellular PVC, a form of plastic and the cresting was routed out of 4' x 8' sheets of Azek. A CNC router (computer numerical control) is a router that is controlled by computer aided design software, which allows you to create almost any pattern you would desire. Imagine, back in the day, cutting these shapes by hand with a scroll saw. In the era of this house the use of steam powered scroll saws were being introduced, which helped, but was still quite a task.

The roof cresting, sometimes referred to as "gingerbread" is a major ornamentation on this old house. Gingerbread is a term for the ornate scroll-sawn ornaments that was first used on Gothic Revival houses. This type of fine craftsmanship is prevalent in San Francisco. A premier example of this is the "Wedding Cake House" in Kennebunkport, Maine.

The cresting on McDonald Mansion is softly lit at night with energy efficient LED lights. At night this gives a spectacular crowning on the house. The upper flat portion of the roof is surrounded by cresting which creates a walk area with fantastic views. The second inner and higher cresting walls doubles as a screen to shield the roof mounted mechanical equipment from being seen.








Here are more pictures of cresting, because pictures speak better than words.






















Yes, it is time for the Rural Cemetery Historical Ball at the McDonald Mansion. It is set for July 24, 2010, with period attire required. You can contact the City of Santa Rosa Parks and Recreation Department for tickets. Music performed by Brass Works, a band specializing in historical balls. Catered by Legends. Docent led tours of McDonald Mansion will be given . Photos of guests will be taken by Jon Stiffler. See you on the beautiful grounds of McDonald Mansion.

Enjoy your surroundings,
McDonald Mansion Mart

McDonald Mansion, Santa Rosa, California

As partners in MastersTouch Construction one of our projects is the McDonald Mansion.










I am Project Manager for the major renovation of the McDonald Mansion. This historical rehabilitation first started with demolition of portions of the existing structure including two non-original additions which housed the kitchen and Master Bath. In addition there was the removal of basement concrete slabs by hand and power equipment (see picture below), removal of the inadequate original 1878 brownish red clay brick foundation along with excavation of dirt for a deeper and enlarged basement. At the same time this demolition was being done, the installation of shoring and bracing to support the house, because we were taking out what held up the house.


Yes, you can find a small and powerful enough piece of equipment to fit under a house to do demolition.





Kind of creepy to be under the house, while supported on "stilts" and thinking about earthquakes.

Son #2 in college, in graphic communications says I should use a more up to date font. Wait until the next post.


Enjoy your surrounding,
McDonald Mansion Mart

McDonald Mansion Mart

Santa Rosa has been home to Charles Schulz's Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, noted horticulturist Luther Burbank , Wine Country, and the beautiful McDonald Mansion. The McDonald Mansion is a marvelous 15,000 sq. ft. house built in 1879. I have an appreciation for old houses, studied them, traveled to see them and built my own home in the style of Greek Revival. Now I am involved in the McDonald Mansion historical restoration of this Stick and Eastlake architectural style home in Santa Rosa, California. I should have started this sooner, because I am well under way in this three year endeavor. With the encouragement of my wonderful wife I realize I have years of background on houses, how to deal with people, and learned information. People ask me "how do you know so much, about so much" answer - I listen (and read) more than I talk. Also, I decided to post entries thanks to my three boys who require me to stay current with what's happening in technology and other amazing facts about all aspects of life, including clothing styles.

Follow along with me and enjoy the adventures of restoring significant buildings and the quirky situations that can be encountered while doing so. Along the way I will give sources for hard to find products and services, post great pictures and every so often go off course on "bunny trails". Oh, don't forget to smell the roses in the garden, more on that later.







Enjoy your surroundings,
McDonald Mansion Mart