Applied Building Sciences, Inc.

07/02/2026

06/12/2026

Don't miss Gabriel Molina's presentation: “We’ve Always Done It That Way!” Construction Best Practices. Hands on learning opportunity to see what the construction best practices are for wood framed construction. Review of code requirements, discussion of wood framing construction, and why "we've always done it that way" doesn't mean it's right.

06/12/2026

ABS is excited to participate as a Bronze Sponsor and Exhibitor at the NCADA 49th Annual Meeting in Asheville this weekend. Gabriel Marchi Molina, PE will be speaking during the Practice Group Concurrent Sessions (10:55 – 11:40am). The topic “We’ve Always Done It That Way!” Construction Best Practices. Hands on learning opportunity to see what the construction best practices are for wood framed construction. Review of code requirements, discussion of wood framing construction, and why "we've always done it that way" doesn't mean it's right. Don’t forget to stop by the ABS booth for the opportunity to speak with Gabriel and Chuck to learn more on how ABS can partner with your firm and to enter to win a pair of Beats Headphones!

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.

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