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Christopher L. Yerke — Restoration Workshop

general contractor, woodwork

Restored facade

The Exterior of the John C. Spencer House was restored under the direction of Chris Yerke of Restoration Workshop. One of San Francisco's finest and most intact large Queen Anne residences, the Spencer House merited special attention. In short, it was stripped of 106 years of paint, and 106 years of wear were addressed to the highest restoration standards. In addition to a new suit of 15 colors, the house now wears a 50 year, artificial slate roof made of recycled plastics. All the original tin flashings and roofs were replaced with 20 ounce copper. Once again the house sports balustrades and other long missing ornament meticulously copied from the original. 100% percent containment of hazardous lead waste was the goal. Eight, fifty-five gallon drums of waste were removed and sent off for environmentally appropriate disposal. Salvage, old-growth redwood lumber was used to fabricate elements that were missing, or beyond repair. Modern materials and techniques blend with old school, quality craftsmanship to yield a result which will serve to preserve the house for its next hundred years of existence.