A Brush with History: Kane’s Landmark Restored
M J Painting Contractor Corp. has recently completed a meticulous commercial exterior painting project on a historic landmark in the heart of Kane, Pennsylvania. The New Thomson House, a six-story building formerly known as the Penn-Kane Hotel and also the tallest building in the city, has been restored to its original grandeur thanks to the expertise and dedication of our incredible team. Restoring the painted trim to complement the stunning brick exterior, originally crafted in 1907 in nearby Kushequa, PA, was a challenging but rewarding project.
Constructed in 1907, the New Thomson House is a prominent feature of the local landscape and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The record gives a meticulous, almost tactile sense of this building in its prime. Despite the grandeur, we were presented with some unique challenges with this project due to the building’s significance and its prime location at a busy intersection.
New Thompson House Facts
- Builder/Architect: John Fleming
- Built in 1907
- Located at the intersection of U.S. Route 6 & PA Route 66 in Kane, PA
- Sits on the corner of Greeves and Fraley Streets
- Also known as the Penn-Kane Hotel; also Summer Hotel
- 60,000 square foot brick-frame hotel
- 2,040 feet above sea level
- 147 rooms
- 261 windows
- Roof rebuilt in 1915 to original specs after fire
- Double oak frame doors at entrance
- Original hemlock, oak & pine woodwork
- Original oak grand staircase
- Original mosaic ceramic tile floor
To ensure the safety of both workers and motorists, it was necessary to implement a comprehensive traffic control plan. Our team carefully managed traffic flow around the building, particularly during the arrival of oversized loads that frequently passed through the intersection.
The project also required the use of specialized equipment to reach the upper floors of the building. A high-reach lift was employed to provide safe and efficient access to the exterior trim, allowing the painters to meticulously restore the building’s appearance.
The restoration of the New Thomson House was made possible in part by a federal grant program. The grant provided funding for essential repairs to the building’s exterior, including the windows, soffits and other elements that had deteriorated over time.
“We are honored to have been entrusted with the task of restoring such a historic landmark,” said Mike John Sr., President at M J Painting Contractor Corp. “The project was a labor of love, and we are thrilled with the final result.”
The completion of the painting project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the New Thomson House, but also contributes to its preservation for future generations. The restored building now stands as a testament to the rich history of Kane and the dedication of our meticulous team.
If you are visiting Kane, PA, be sure to take a moment to admire the newly painted New Thomson House. Our talented crew’s work shows our commitment to skill, attention to detail and commitment to preserving historic structures.
*Black and white photos are courtesy of the National Register of Historic Places, a division of the United States Department of the Interior’s National Park Service and National Archives and Records Administration. Read more about the historic property here.
ABOUT M J Painting Contractor Corp. – M J Painting Contractor Corp. is a nationwide leader in blasting, coating and painting services. Since 1970, their expertise has spanned the renewable energy and oil and natural gas industries, with flagship services in comprehensive interior and exterior painting solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. They hold many safety and industry certifications and are members of numerous associations. Headquartered in Olean, New York, M J Painting Contractor Corp. has leveraged its expertise and commitment to quality over the years to grow exponentially with multiple locations. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services while acting as the parent company to divisions including MJP Energy Services and Signature Concrete Floor Coatings.