Applied Building Sciences, Inc.

05/22/2026

05/01/2026

The Francis Marion Hotel Façade Repairs was awarded a 2025 Award of Merit in the Historic Structures Category.

ABS provided engineering and architectural services for the façade restoration effort for Charleston’s iconic Francis Marion Hotel. The restoration effort began with a detailed survey of the building’s ornate exterior elements, including the Terra cotta cornice, frieze, medallions, and scrolls on the King Street and Calhoun Street Elevations, the exterior brick veneer on the King Street and Calhoun Street Elevations, and a cantilevered 11th‑floor stair on the west elevation. The scope of work included a repair program that repointing deteriorated mortar joints, crack repair and localized masonry stabilization, installation of helical stitch ties to strengthen cracked or displaced masonry, replacement of structural steel lintels exhibiting corrosion or section loss, concrete repairs and brick restoration at the cantilevered stair enclosure.

Some key challenges faced in the repair of the 12-story building included complex scaffolding requirements to safely access ornate terra cotta elements at the upper floors. Due to the limited street frontage, a phased scaffold installation was required along with traffic coordination from city traffic management. Cantilevered stair box access, which demanded engineered scaffolding supported on an adjacent edifice to reach deteriorated components without overstressing the structure. All while ensuring hotel operations could safely persist.

Through detailed investigation, thoughtful repair design, and close collaboration with WxTite, Applied Building Sciences, Inc. each repair was designed to extend the service life of the façade while preserving the building’s historic appearance.

https://www.concrete.org/publications/typesofpublications/periodicals/concreteinternational.aspx

11/11/2025

Thank you to all of our Veterans who have proudly served our country. A special thank you to our very own Al Schweickhardt, Michael McLean, PE, and Amanda Nicks!

10/03/2025

If you're attending the South Carolina Construction Law Conference in Savannah, stop by the ABS booth and speak with Bobby and Juli about how we can partner with you! Don't forget to drop a business card for a chance to win a basket filled with Woodford Reserve and other other goodies!

09/11/2025

Many people have engraved in their memories forever where they were, what they were doing, and how they felt on this day twenty years ago. May we continue to remember those who lost their lives, those who lost a loved one, those who were first on the scene to help anyone escape, those who arrived after to continue search efforts and those who fought and continue to fight and protect our country.

08/06/2025

Our Charlotte team and their families had an amazing family night out at the Charlotte Knights on Friday night. The weather cleared for a Knights win and skyline rainbow to be enjoyed by all! Thank you to Truist Stadium for the hospitality!