Cleaning and restoration of marble entryway of a historic landmark

Project Overview

We were commissioned to preserve and improve the marble entryway of a historic landmark built in 1928 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Known for its rich mining heritage, Pottsville’s commercial district has long been exposed to heavy industrial pollutants such as coal dust, diesel soot, and emissions from mining machinery. Over the decades, the marble façade collected stubborn carbon deposits and environmental staining.

The new property owner wished to enhance the marble’s appearance without a complete restoration, making this request a unique challenge requiring a delicate, conservation-focused approach.

Process & Solution

Due to prolonged exposure to acid rain and pollutants, the marble surface had significantly softened over time, becoming what conservation professionals call “sugar marble.” In this weakened state, aggressive tools or cleaners could cause irreversible damage.

To preserve the aging stone while restoring its beauty, we implemented:

• Specialized gentle cleaning formulas designed for aged marble
• Extra-soft bristle brushing to avoid abrasion
• Careful manual detailing around decorative carvings and reliefs
• Low-pressure rinsing and residue removal for even cleaning

This conservative cleaning approach ensured exceptional improvement without risking erosion or surface scarring.

Results

The intensive cleaning successfully removed decades of carbon buildup, exposing the stone’s original color, carvings, and architectural detail. The entryway now looks noticeably brighter, cleaner, and more refined, without losing its historic character and patina.

“The before-and-after transformation is incredibly rewarding to witness. Preserving the stone while improving its beauty was our top priority, and the results exceeded expectations.”
— Classic Marble & Stone Restoration Team

Client Feedback

“We wanted to improve the look without changing the historic feel. Classic Marble & Stone Restoration delivered exactly what we hoped for—cleaner, brighter marble that still looks original. Amazing workmanship and respect for the building.”

Conclusion

This project demonstrates the importance of choosing a restoration contractor with expertise in historic stone care. Marble in aging structures requires a preservation mindset, not just cleaning techniques. Through a gentle, skillful approach, we have successfully revitalized a treasured piece of Pottsville history.

Have a historic building, exterior stone, or marble feature that needs expert care? Call (610) 356-4100 for professional cleaning, polishing, repair, and preservation services.