ARG Conservation Services

ARG Conservation Services ARG Conservation Services is a design–build firm specializing in the conservation and management of cultural resources.

We undertake conservation of historic buildings and architectural features, monuments, collections in historic contexts, and large-scale works of art. Principals and staff are nationally recognized leaders in architectural and materials conservation, representing decades of continuous experience planning and executing projects in culturally significant settings.

This massive bronze hand, with a mosaic of children on its palm and colorful stained glass between the fingers, is a pow...
04/23/2025

This massive bronze hand, with a mosaic of children on its palm and colorful stained glass between the fingers, is a powerful symbol of peace and unity. This past week, we had the privilege of performing maintenance treatments on Hand of Peace, a monumental sculpture by Beniamino Bufano located at Civic Park in Walnut Creek, CA. Our team spent a few days on-site cleaning, refreshing the wax coating, touching up the bronze patina, regrouting the mosaic, and recoating and caulking the concrete base. It’s an honor to help maintain this meaningful work—carrying forward Bufano’s vision of peace while also reflecting on the responsibility we all share to nurture our communities and protect the planet for generations to come.

It was a pleasure working with Bedford Gallery and City of Walnut Creek - City Hall.


Lotta Crabtree was the nation’s sweetheart—an actress, philanthropist and rebel who did a Lotta things. One of them? Gif...
04/18/2025

Lotta Crabtree was the nation’s sweetheart—an actress, philanthropist and rebel who did a Lotta things. One of them? Gifting San Francisco a fountain in 1875. On April 18, 1906, Lotta's Fountain became the landmark where survivors gathered in the aftermath of the quake. In 2017, we had the privilege of restoring it. Today, on the anniversary of the quake, it stands with quiet strength—a witness to the city’s history, a tribute to its resilience, and also its trailblazing and innovating characters.

Thanks The Library of Congress and Western Neighborhoods Project for historic black and white photos.

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire — a disaster that reshaped the City as we k...
04/17/2025

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire — a disaster that reshaped the City as we know it. Nearly everything was destroyed, but a few buildings stood their ground...such as the Old U.S. Mint, known as The Granite Lady. Built in 1874 with thick sandstone walls and a central well, it survived against all odds. As flames closed in, staff led by Superintendent Frank Leach used water from the well to fight the fire, saving the building and $300 million in gold — nearly a third of the nation’s reserves. The area around it was scorched earth, but the Mint endured, becoming a fundamental part of San Francisco’s recovery.

More than a century later, the Old Mint still stands — a symbol of architectural resilience. We’re proud to have contributed to its continued preservation through exterior graffiti abatement and cleaning, helping maintain the integrity of this historic landmark.

Thanks Western Neighborhoods Project for the historic photos of the Old Mint!

Riddle us this: what’s enigmatic, leonine, and just got a meticulous makeover? 🦁✨ We’re pleased to announce that our con...
04/09/2025

Riddle us this: what’s enigmatic, leonine, and just got a meticulous makeover? 🦁✨ We’re pleased to announce that our conservation work on "Pair of Sphinxes" is now complete! Created c. 1912 by artist Arthur Putnam, these striking cast-stone figures sit proudly atop concrete plinths in the Music Concourse, directly in front of the de Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Our process involved deep cleaning, reattaching broken fragments such as noses, filling cracks, repainting, and applying an anti-graffiti coating.

We are honored to have worked with San Francisco Arts Commission and de Young Museum to complete this project. Come visit Golden Gate Park and see these stoic figures restored to their former glory!

Riddle us this: what’s enigmatic, leonine, and just got a meticulous makeover? 🦁✨ We’re pleased to announce that our con...
04/09/2025

Riddle us this: what’s enigmatic, leonine, and just got a meticulous makeover? 🦁✨ We’re pleased to announce that our conservation work on “Pair of Sphinxes” is now complete! Created c. 1912 by artist Arthur Putnam, these striking cast-stone figures sit proudly atop concrete plinths in the Music Concourse, directly in front of the de Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Our process involved deep cleaning, reattaching broken fragments such as nose, filling cracks, repainting, and applying an anti-graffiti coating.

We are honored to have worked with and to complete this project. Come visit Golden Gate Park and see these stoic figures restored to their former glory!

We are excited to share the completion of our restoration work at Immanuel Lutheran Church (ILC), a stunning Carpenter G...
04/02/2025

We are excited to share the completion of our restoration work at Immanuel Lutheran Church (ILC), a stunning Carpenter Gothic-style landmark built in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places - NPS in Alameda County, CA.

As General Contractor for this project, in partnership with Architectural Resources Group (ARG) as Architect, we developed construction documents for re-roofing the main church and kitchen, as well as rehabilitated the church’s primary elevation. ARG also conducted a paint analysis of the historic finishes to guide color selection for repainting.

Despite a very wet winter, our repair work at ILC went smoothly. We look forward to future phases of rehabilitation to continue preserving this historic site!

This past week, we were honored to present in one of the technical sessions for conserving materials and finishes at His...
03/27/2025

This past week, we were honored to present in one of the technical sessions for conserving materials and finishes at Historic Preservation Education Foundation - Preserving the Recent Past 4 Conference in Boston, MA (Boston Architectural College)! A special thank you to Kim Gant with USGSA for collaborating with us on our presentation about our work on the exterior bronze cladding of the Federal Building in Juneau, Alaska. Our session featured incredible expertise, with presentations by RLA Conservation of Art + Architecture and Kate Allen, and session moderator Richard Pieper with Columbia GSAPP

We also had the opportunity to attend a joint event with Partners for Sacred Places and DOCOMOMO US which included a tour of two historic Modernist churches: the First Church of Boston and the First Lutheran Church of Boston. Our Jennifer Correia is a board member with Partners for Sacred Places and was proud to be there to support them.

Reconnecting with our ARG colleagues from LA and Portland (Architectural Resources Group) was a highlight. there’s no substitute for in-person collaboration!

This past weekend, two of our team members attended a full-day event at Hearst Castle with WCAPT! They explored the Gran...
03/19/2025

This past weekend, two of our team members attended a full-day event at Hearst Castle with WCAPT! They explored the Grand Rooms and took specialized tours of the Roman Pool, Neptune Pool, and tennis courts—each showcasing fascinating conservation efforts, from historic cork tile preservation to statue restoration and waterproofing work. 🏛️✨

A huge thank you to Western Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology and the amazing hosts at Hearst Castle for organizing such an insightful event. We’re grateful for the chance to learn from experts and engage with fellow preservation professionals. Looking forward to applying these valuable insights to our own conservation projects!

Thank you, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors and Family House San Francisco, for inviting us to a wonderful gala in sup...
03/12/2025

Thank you, Nibbi Brothers General Contractors and Family House San Francisco, for inviting us to a wonderful gala in support of children and families in need of housing while undergoing treatment at UCSF. We had an amazing time enjoying the delicious food and entertainment. Our hearts go out to all the families receiving care from Family House—you are truly an incredible organization, and the work you do makes a profound difference in so many lives!

For Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to highlight the talented women on our team and our partners at Hare Constru...
03/06/2025

For Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to highlight the talented women on our team and our partners at Hare Construction, SFO Museum, and the SF Public Arts Commission, who restore and preserve monuments, artworks, and historic buildings. Their expertise and dedication show that history isn’t just preserved—it’s shaped by the women building its future!

We're excited to welcome Maria Hardman to our team! With a background in conservation and restoration, Maria brings expe...
02/26/2025

We're excited to welcome Maria Hardman to our team! With a background in conservation and restoration, Maria brings expertise in murals, decorative finishes, plaster, and metals. She has worked on historic sites across the country, including state capitols, churches, museums, and theaters. As a former on-site foreman, she has led teams on complex restoration projects. Maria holds a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and we're thrilled to have her on board! 🙌👷‍♀️🖌️⚒️👌😊

Ukrainian people are resilient, resourceful, and fearless. They are actively planning now for the recovery of their coun...
01/17/2025

Ukrainian people are resilient, resourceful, and fearless. They are actively planning now for the recovery of their country with the intention of beginning the rebuilding of Ukraine immediately after the cessation of conflict. Design professionals can join and support this effort by entering the competition for the redesigning Irpin University (STU). This institution trains future government workers and leaders in democratic and honest processes that Ukraine is fighting to uphold. It is vital to the future of the country. Be part of this critical planning by entering the competition. Deadline to register is February 1st! Please see link in bio for more information.

As we welcome 2025, we’re inspired by the beauty of the sun illuminating the historic monuments and artworks we’ve resto...
12/31/2024

As we welcome 2025, we’re inspired by the beauty of the sun illuminating the historic monuments and artworks we’ve restored. These snapshots from our job sites capture how light brings life to the timeless landmarks we are proud to enhance. At ARG/CS, every project combines honoring history with innovative solutions, ensuring these treasures shine brightly for generations to come. Here’s to a New Year filled with inspiration, progress, and enduring legacies. Happy 2025!

Wishing you and your loved ones and a season of meaningful moments and a new year filled with peace and joy. From our fa...
12/24/2024

Wishing you and your loved ones and a season of meaningful moments and a new year filled with peace and joy. From our family of companies: , , and ! 🎉🎊🎁🎄✨This photo is from the and highlights our work this year which included the of the Trocadero Clubhouse at Stern Grove in San Francisco. We were privileged to assist in the protection of this cultural resource! ❤️👏🏻🥰👌🏻

This year, our family of companies gathered at our bayfront office for our annual holiday party. We enjoyed wonderful co...
12/19/2024

This year, our family of companies gathered at our bayfront office for our annual holiday party. We enjoyed wonderful company, engaged in a lively game of co****le, and wrapped up the celebration with a raffle that brought smiles all around. Here’s to another year of perseverance, success, and collaboration - with many more memorable times ahead. Cheers to 2024 and looking forward to an even brighter 2025! 🎄⭐️🎉🎊⭐️🎁🎅🏻✨

Last night, ARG/CS mingled and had good fun with the Bay Area’s creative community at Root Division’s 23rd Annual Benefi...
10/25/2024

Last night, ARG/CS mingled and had good fun with the Bay Area’s creative community at Root Division’s 23rd Annual Benefit. Art lovers and artists came together to enjoy and support emerging talents. The evening reminded us of our own value and importance in art restoration, preserving and honoring art for generations to come. It was inspiring to support an event that uplifts local artists and connects us through art.





A new sculpture emerges from a large crate, set against the backdrop of the busy Embarcadero and Ferry Building. The scu...
07/12/2024

A new sculpture emerges from a large crate, set against the backdrop of the busy Embarcadero and Ferry Building. The sculpture, titled "As Sounds Turn to Noise," is now in San Francisco! What does this striking 9-foot bronze beauty hear in this City? Never mind that, our senior conservator, Johana Moreno, oversaw the install and performed touch-ups. Go by Pier 1 and check it out!

Sitting on the edge of our seats while reading this blog…Wayfarers Chapel preserved! Impressive work by Architectural Re...
07/12/2024

Sitting on the edge of our seats while reading this blog…Wayfarers Chapel preserved! Impressive work by Architectural Resources Group! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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594 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA
94111

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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