Rehabilitate Ranch House and Terrace Walls at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

AB Joint Venture (ABJV) undertook a rehabilitation project at the historic Spring Hill Ranch House, located in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Strong City, Kansas.

The project involved structural and architectural repairs, as well as site work like terrace retaining wall repairs, ADA accessible routing, and improved site drainage. The stone terrace walls were carefully dismantled and rebuilt, while a complete site storm drain system was installed with new buffalograss planting.

Interior repairs consisted of general repairs, MEP upgrades, and preservation work, with the help of a historic consultant and local historian, Heather Brown. The team restored historic sidewalk vault lights, repairing and rehabilitating them for continued use. Exterior repairs included historic metal cornice work, roofing, window replacement, masonry repairs, and foundation stabilization, with significant plaster repairs and the installation of heat-treated ash decking on the porch.

The utilities scope involved installing new water supply, propane gas, and electric service to the Ranch House, with all installations coordinated with both SHPO and the Chief of Interpretation. Blinderman self-performed various tasks, including historic demolition, carpentry, and renovation of historic windows at an off-site location.

Retaining walls were constructed to handle the varying terrain and high underground water table levels at the Preserve. The project also focused on preserving historic fabric through detailed analyses and sourcing historically accurate materials. Despite an increase in scope and discovered conditions, Blinderman successfully completed the project on time.