At Christian & Son, Inc. we believe the traditional trades and the buildings they have produced for centuries are both gifts and a responsibility, and our interest is in keeping both the trades and the historic buildings that are such important parts of our cultural landscape alive and useful for generations to come.
No matter what the size or scope of your project, we can recommend the appropriate methods to proceed, and provide expert services throughout.
We are a historic structure document / research / restore company with a focus on conservation located in Burbank, OH. and founded in 1982 by Rudy R. Christian. We also re-use historic materials for modern building applications, and produce new timber frame structures of the highest quality available.
Looking for professional services on a project?
Contact us with a description and digital photos if available, and we'll let you know where to start and how we can help!
Each year, Christian & Son, Inc. completes projects in a wide array of styles, periods, and types, for an even wider array of clients. A selection of these projects is presented below.
Mansfield Blockhouse
For the City of Mansfield, Ohio there is no landmark more significant to local history than the Blockhouse...
Edison Laboratory
"Building 11", the Thomas Edison Chemistry Lab, relocated from Greenfield Village MI to West Orange NJ...
Shaker Village
Mt. Lebanon Shaker Village holds some of the most beautiful Shaker timber frames still existing today. We help keep them alive...
Price Residence
A beautiful 1800s stone house, gutted, restored, and married to a modern white-oak timber frame roof and additions...
Eagle Residence
Creating a unique home from recycled timber often presents design challenges. This home exemplifies the possible beauty...
Amish Furniture Outlet
This barn was rescued from demolition, restored, and opened to the public as beautiful retail space...
In America's mad rush of development in the late 19th century and early 20th century, huge amounts of knowledge about the trades, traditional building practices, techniques, quality, and aesthetics was lost. Part of our aim is to uncover that lost knowledge through applied research and re-educate students worldwide.
In recent years, the trades have begun to re-emerge. Christian & Son, Inc. has been involved at the forefront of trades education throughout that time. Through associations with organizations providing AIA continuing education credits, we are now able to help provide trades education that is not only relevant in this age, but of measurable academic value to students engaged in the programs.
In-depth information on initiatives is coming soon!
By working hands-on in the Timber Frame trade since the early 1980s, we have developed a substantial portfolio of applied knowledge. Documenting, repairing, disassembling, re-raising, and researching structures and their joinery has allowed us a unique look directly into the past. In the interest of education, we document some of our discoveries here.
We'll begin posting research articles in the coming weeks.