Abbie Gardner
Cabin
Conditions
Assessment
The Abbie Gardner Cabin & Museum tells the story of the "Spirit Lake Massacre" and of 13-year-old Abbie Gardner, whose family was killed during the 1857 violence, and who was taken captive by Inkpaduta's Native American band. This assessment determined what repairs were needed for the cabin, museum building and memorial structures located on the site.
This unique historic resource was constructed in 1856, with a significant restoration project completed in the 1970s. RDG completed a thorough foundation-to-roof assessment of the historic materials conditions and the more recent repairs. This assessment provided the owner with a clear and concise path for phased project maintenance planning and fundraising. The RDG team has several tools on hand to collect and analyze critical information, including areal drone photography and video, forward looking infrared (FLIR) imaging, and moisture meters. When projects require, additional consultants are added to the team including structural engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, building envelope consultants and 3D laser scanning of existing facilities. Historic Structure Reports assist the building owner and users in several ways. Materials repairs or replacement can be scheduled and budgeted. Cyclical maintenance plans can be developed and implemented. Master planning can guide historically appropriate restorations and building additions.