Historic Masonry Specialists
About Renaissance Development
Founded in 2004, the company brings together architectural history, traditional materials, skilled craftsmanship, and professional project management to help building owners protect both the appearance and long-term stability of their properties.
Led by Dr. Christina K. Wilson, Renaissance Development restores historic masonry with a careful, preservation-minded approach designed for older brick buildings in Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria.
Meet Dr. Christina K. Wilson
Renaissance Development was founded by Dr. Christina K. Wilson, an architectural historian, educator, and entrepreneur whose background gives the company an uncommon perspective on historic buildings.
Dr. Wilson holds a Ph.D. in Architectural History from the University of Virginia and has spent much of her career studying, teaching, and interpreting architecture. Before founding Renaissance Development, she served as Director of Public Programs & Adult Education at the National Building Museum, taught architectural history through the University of Virginia’s Division of Continuing Education, and worked as an author and editorial consultant for the District Department of Transportation.
Since 2018, she has taught architectural history and theory at The Catholic University of America’s School of Architecture and Planning in Washington, DC.
That depth of knowledge matters on a masonry restoration project. Older brick buildings were not built like modern structures. Their walls, mortar, materials, and moisture behavior require a different level of understanding. Under Dr. Wilson’s leadership, Renaissance Development approaches historic masonry as a building system, not a surface to be patched.
- President, Founder & CEO of Renaissance Development
- Ph.D. in Architectural History, University of Virginia
- Instructor, The Catholic University of America School of Architecture and Planning
- Former Director of Public Programs & Adult Education, National Building Museum
- Background in architectural history, public education, historic buildings, and material culture
Protecting the Buildings That Give Washington, DC Its Character
Washington, DC’s historic brick buildings require care that is both practical and informed. When mortar fails, water can move into the wall. When the wrong material is used, older brick can deteriorate faster. When repairs are treated as cosmetic patches, larger structural issues often remain unaddressed.
Renaissance Development exists to provide a better standard of masonry restoration for owners who care about their buildings. Our work is designed to protect historic masonry, preserve the character of original brickwork, and help older structures remain sound for decades to come.
We are not simply filling joints. We are evaluating how the wall was built, how it is performing, where moisture is entering, and what restoration strategy is appropriate for the building.
A Company Built Around Historic Masonry
Renaissance Development is a Washington, DC-based company specializing in exterior masonry and historic preservation. Our core work includes tuckpointing, mortar restoration, brick repair, chimney restoration, and façade restoration for older brick buildings.
We also build and restore exterior masonry elements that complement historic residences, including patios, walkways, retaining walls, steps, and related urban garden features.
Over the past two decades, Renaissance Development has completed hundreds of projects throughout Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria. Our clients include homeowners, building owners, commercial clients, and others responsible for maintaining historic masonry with care.
Our Approach to Historic Masonry
Appropriate Restoration Begins
With
Understanding the Building
Historic masonry is not well served by shortcut repairs. A patch may look acceptable for a short time and still fail to address the actual condition of the wall. Our approach is built around careful evaluation, compatible materials, thorough execution, and clear communication.
We evaluate the wall as a system
Visible deterioration is often only part of the problem. Recessed mortar, cracking near windows or rooflines, loose bricks, staining, and damp interior walls can all point to broader masonry conditions. We look closely at how the wall is performing before recommending a scope of work.
We use materials appropriate for older buildings
Many historic brick buildings were constructed with softer brick and lime-based mortar. Repair materials need to work with the original wall, not against it. Mortar selection, color, texture, density, and joint profile all influence the performance and appearance of the finished restoration.
We pay attention to the details that determine the result
Quality masonry restoration should not look like an obvious patch. We pay careful attention to mortar color, joint tooling, brick compatibility, wall condition, cleaning, and the overall appearance of the completed work.
We manage projects with professionalism from start to finish
Clients want a smooth and well-organized experience. Renaissance Development provides clear communication, detailed written proposals, respectful work practices, careful site protection, and a final review once work is complete.
Our Team
Skilled Crews, Careful Supervision, and
Preservation-Minded Leadership
Renaissance Development’s work is carried out by a dedicated team that understands the care required on older buildings. The company combines office coordination, project evaluation, experienced supervisors, foremen, and trained masonry crews to move projects from first conversation through final walkthrough.
Our crews are expected to work carefully, respect the property, and understand that historic masonry restoration affects more than the wall being repaired. Landscaping, neighboring buildings, access areas, and adjacent surfaces all need to be considered before and during the work.
On each project, the goal is the same: clear scope, careful preparation, meticulous restoration, thorough cleanup, and a finished result that supports both the building’s appearance and structural integrity.
Team standards include:
- Organized project planning before work begins
- Respectful treatment of buildings, landscaping, and neighboring properties
- Skilled masonry work performed with attention to compatibility and detail
- Clear communication with clients throughout the project
- Cleanup and final review once work is complete
Skills, Certifications & Standards
Trust Signals That Matter on Historic Masonry Projects
Historic masonry restoration requires more than general construction experience. It requires trained supervision, safe access, careful work practices, and an understanding of the materials used in older buildings.
Renaissance Development’s current certification and training standards include:
- Company supervisors with Lead Abatement certification
- Company supervisors with OSHA 30-hour Construction certification
- Crew members certified in OSHA Scaffolding / Fall Protection
- Additional crew training in stairways and ladders, hazard communication,
- ersonal protective equipment, concrete and masonry safety, and walking and working surfaces
- Background checks and substance testing for employees
These standards support the way projects are planned and executed, especially when work requires scaffolding, access coordination, public-facing jobsite conditions, or careful protection of surrounding property.
Exceptional work, service and follow through. Highly recommend Renaissance for top quality work at highly competitive rates.
Terry Erb
What to Expect From the Process
A clear process from first contact to final walkthrough.
Tell us what you are seeing
The process begins with a conversation about your building. Common concerns include crumbling mortar, loose bricks, chimney deterioration, staining, damp interior walls, painted brick, or earlier cement patches that appear to be failing.
We evaluate the masonry
We inspect the visible condition of the masonry and look closely at how moisture, prior repairs, structural movement, and access conditions may be affecting the building.
We recommend the appropriate scope of work
After the evaluation, Renaissance Development provides a detailed written proposal outlining the recommended restoration strategy, areas of work, and project implementation approach.
We prepare and protect the site
Before work begins, we coordinate access, obtain required permits when needed, and protect the building, landscaping, and adjacent properties that may be affected by the project.
We complete the restoration work carefully
Deteriorated mortar is removed, damaged masonry is addressed, and new mortar is installed with attention to compatibility, appearance, and long-term performance.
We clean up and review the results
At the end of the project, restored masonry is cleaned and the completed work is reviewed with the client so questions can be addressed clearly.
The Standards That Shape Every Project
Preservation-Minded Restoration
Older buildings deserve repairs that respect their original materials, construction methods, and long-term performance. Renaissance Development approaches masonry restoration with careful attention to wall behavior, compatible materials, mortar selection, joint profile, color matching, and appropriate repair strategies that help protect older brick rather than create new problems.
Experienced Work in Historic Neighborhoods
Renaissance Development serves homeowners and commercial clients throughout Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria, with a strong focus on older brick buildings and historic neighborhoods. The company’s work is guided by preservation-minded principles regardless of project size or building type.
A Resource for Historic Building Owners
In addition to restoration services, Renaissance Development provides educational resources for owners of historic brick buildings, including information on tuckpointing, mortar deterioration, compatible materials, and recommended masonry restoration practices.
Responsible Project Management & Clear Communication
Masonry restoration affects more than the wall itself. Renaissance Development plans carefully for access, protection of adjacent areas, landscaping, cleanup, and overall jobsite management so projects are handled responsibly. Clients receive a clearly defined scope of work, practical guidance, and consistent communication throughout the project.
Serving Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria
Renaissance Development works throughout Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, with a strong focus on historic brick buildings, rowhouses, apartment buildings, commercial structures, chimneys, façades, and exterior masonry features.
The Renaissance Difference, In Our Clients’ Words
Serving Washington, DC and Old Town Alexandria
What makes Renaissance Development different from a general masonry contractor?
Renaissance Development specializes in exterior masonry and historic preservation. The company is led by Dr. Christina K. Wilson, whose background in architectural history informs the way older buildings are evaluated and restored. The work is guided by compatibility, careful craftsmanship, and respect for historic masonry.
Why does Dr. Wilson’s background matter on a masonry project?
Historic buildings require a different restoration strategy than newer structures. Dr. Wilson’s architectural history background gives Renaissance Development a deeper understanding of older buildings, traditional materials, and the importance of preserving both structural integrity and historic character.
Do you only work on historic buildings?
While historic masonry is our specialty, Renaissance Development also builds hardscapes including patios, walkways, retaining walls, and steps for both historic and new buildings.
Who performs the work?
Projects are handled by Renaissance Development’s team, including office coordination, project supervision, foremen, and trained masonry crews. The work is organized to support careful execution, communication, and respect for the property.
Do you provide free estimates or inspections?
Yes. Renaissance Development provides free estimates and can help owners understand what they are seeing on their building and what the appropriate next step may be.
Do you handle permits when they are required?
When permits are required for a masonry restoration project, Renaissance Development incorporates that step into the project process.
How do you protect landscaping and adjacent areas?
Site protection is part of the preparation process. Before work begins, the building, landscaping, adjacent surfaces, and neighboring properties that may be affected by the project are considered and protected as appropriate.
Do you provide educational resources about tuckpointing?
Yes. Renaissance Development provides detailed information about tuckpointing, mortar deterioration, compatible materials, and recommended restoration practices for owners of historic brick buildings.
Restoration • Rejuvenation • Rebirth
Exterior Masonry & Historic Preservation Specialists
Renaissance Development is Washington, DC’s premiere company providing tuckpointing and brick façade restoration. In addition, we build patios, walkways, steps, and retaining walls, elements essential to urban gardens.
Tuckpointing
Masonry Restoration
Chimney Repair
Patios
Walkways
Retaining Walls
