National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) presented the Association's 2007 Gold Circle Award in the steep-slope category to The Durable Restoration Company for the exterior restoration of First Congregational Church in Akron, Ohio. The restoration addressed the structural integrity of the building, restoration of the slate roof and a monitor feature (shown here), and repairs to the masonry.  

The historical slate roof of this turn of the century church had been replaced with asphalt in the 1970’s, at which time much of the decorative copper on the monitor was removed along with the copper ridges and valleys.  This award recognized restoration of the original appearance of the roof and monitor.

The original crenellated parapet with decorative trim had been removed from the monitor.  The project included reconstructing the crenellation, the copper cornice, architrave, and trim to match the original appearance.  This was accomplished by reference to historic photographs.

The window openings of the monitor were restored including the stepped arch copper hoods.  New copper clad arched windows were installed.  A total of twenty stylized composite columns were fabricated for installation between the window openings.  New copper box-gutter liners, valleys, ridges, vented ridges, and finials were fabricated and installed before the new slate was put in place. 

First Congregational Church is an historic landmark in the City of Akron, Ohio and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The architecture of the building is treasured, not only by its congregation, but also by the entire county in which it is located. 

It was fitting that this ornate building, with its 17-inch thick limestone walls and exquisite century-old stained glass, have its slate roof and associated structures restored to their original design and condition.  The particular challenges of the job, including the sheer size of the structure and the tight schedule for the project made its successful execution worthy of the award.