The Great Hall at Shadowlawn, Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ

At the heart of Monmouth University is Woodrow Wilson Hall—a grand historic mansion designed in 1928 by Horace Trumbauer that now serves as the University’s main administration center. The distinguished building is a National Historic Landmark and is listed in the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.

The University’s holistic approach to stabilization and preservation of the building began with a comprehensive roof and terrace restoration. Easton Architects designed and led the multi-phased project, which also included restoration of decorative limestone elements, the Main Entry Portico and Solarium, the original windows and doors and the 100 foot long art glass skylight. A new watertight roofing assembly was installed to arrest the deterioration of historic interior finishes. The roof project received a total of $1.5 million through grant awards from the New Jersey Historic Trust with the assistance of Lisa Easton.

The historic nature of the building and the complexity of the project necessitated close collaboration between Monmouth University leadership, state historic preservation agencies, and a design team with structural and plumbing engineers, conservators, and restoration contractors to develop an effective and feasible restoration methodology.

Currently, Easton Architects is undertaking a full survey of the exterior limestone facades. Preliminary findings made in early 2018 will inform the future in-depth, hands-on inspection and immediate stabilization measures. An Existing Conditions Assessment will outline a prioritized phasing strategy and cost estimates for future work.