La Porte preservation commission plans hands-on workshops on masonry, foundations and windows

The City of La Porte Historic Preservation Commission discussed planning at least two continuing-education workshops for 2025, focusing on masonry and foundation repair, windows rehabilitation and stucco maintenance. Krista Hurley King said the commission "has a responsibility to do at least 2 educational, like, kinda workshop things," and members debated in-person, hands-on sessions and online webinar formats.

Commissioners favored a masonry/foundation workshop as a priority, with a potential hands-on component that would allow attendees to observe mortar work or practice tuckpointing. Peter Steele and other members suggested including stucco repair and maintenance where relevant. The commission noted earlier foundation and hazardous-materials workshops had drawn interest when presented by local experts; Anna Weissman was cited as the presenter for a previous foundation workshop and Paul Hayden was suggested as a potential speaker for masonry topics.

Members said the commission lacks the technical ability to charge admission directly and that partnering with PHLP would allow ticketing and better attendance guarantees for outside presenters. The commission discussed offering a live online option with a recording to improve access. No formal contract or date was approved during the June 17 meeting; members agreed to pursue scheduling for August and asked staff to coordinate dates and locations.

The commission discussed hands-on possibilities, including a windows repair lab where participants bring or are provided a single window to work on. Members agreed to follow up with staff (Deb) to set a date, secure a presenter and work with PHLP on ticketing and publicity.