Even with extensive planning, unknowns are inevitable on historical renovations. Throughout the project, Danis drew upon their vast experience and the knowledge of their craftsmen to successfully develop and implement solutions as challenges were uncovered.
The historical downtown structure, originally the home of the Cincinnati Literary Club back in the 1850’s, saw such members as William Howard Taft and Robert Frost. The renovations of the Cincinnati Archdiocese Archives Building would prove to be a challenging and delicate task that Danis full heartedly accepted with steady hands. In order for the structure to function as an archive with vast storage capabilities, the crumbling foundations had to be replaced. Additionally there had been a previous fire which had caused damage to the building and was subsequently covered up. The fire impacted the structural integrity of the building to the point of being unsafe. Danis had to rebuild much of the structural framing before moving forward. Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint where discovered through-out the building requiring a project shut-down, abatement and clearance testing prior to moving forward. The basement had to be hand excavated and then infilled with concrete in order to withstand the weight of the high density storage system specifically designed for the collection. Demolition, concrete foundations, masonry, rough and historical finish carpentry, doors and hardware were self-performed by Danis skilled workforce.