Canning has been apart of projects at the Cosmos Club. Shown above is during the conservation of a ceiling mural, inpainting losses. |
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The beginning of a new year often brings a renewed sense of perspective. January is a time for reflection, goal-setting, and thoughtful planning for the months ahead. For those entrusted with the care of historic buildings, it is also an ideal moment to pause and consider the condition of the spaces they steward and the steps needed to ensure their longevity. |
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One of the most common questions we hear from building stewards is, “When is the right time to begin a restoration project?” While many assume the answer lies in warmer months when work is visible and active, the most successful restoration projects often begin much earlier, during the quieter planning season of winter. |
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President David Riccio and Founder John Canning during the planning phase of a project. |
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January is an ideal time to initiate conversations about restoration and conservation. With the bustle of the previous year behind us and the demands of the coming year not yet in full swing, this period allows owners, administrators, and teams to thoughtfully evaluate their buildings and plan responsibly for their care. Rather than reacting to visible deterioration, early planning encourages a proactive approach rooted in long-term stewardship.
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Historic restoration is not a single event but a carefully phased process. Before any work begins, time must be dedicated to investigation, documentation, and analysis. Decorative finishes, murals, plaster, gilding, painted surfaces, wood, and stone often hold layers of history that require careful study to understand original intent, past alterations, and current conditions. Beginning this research early in the year allows findings to inform thoughtful decision-making rather than rushed solutions.
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Winter months also provide an opportunity to assess how a building performs under stress. Fluctuating temperature, dry air, and increased HVAC use can reveal cracks, paint failure, and moisture-related issues that may not be as apparent during other seasons. These observations become valuable tools in shaping the scope and priorities of a future project. |
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From a practical standpoint, early planning leads to better outcomes. Developing a clear project scope, securing funding, and coordinating schedules all take time, particularly for restoration projects that rely on a combination of fundraising, grant support, and donor contributions. Effective fundraising efforts often engage community stakeholders early, and well-prepared grant submissions require thorough documentation, clearly defined project goals, and alignment with preservation-focused funding criteria.
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Coordinating these efforts in advance allows organizations to pursue public and private grants strategically, meet application deadlines, and sequence work appropriately. Early planning also benefits donors, as it creates opportunities for thoughtful tax planning, including charitable deductions, planned giving, and other contributions that can maximize the impacts of their support while ensuring long-term project sustainability. Institutions that begin these conversations early on are often better positioned to move forward smoothly when the action finally begins. This foresight can help avoid delays, reduce costs associated with emergency repairs, and ensure access to specialized craftspeople.
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Equally important is the opportunity for collaboration. Early engagement allows architects, conservators, and restoration specialists to work together in alignment with a building’s history and use. This collaborative approach ensures that treatments respect original materials, employ appropriate techniques, and align with the long-term goals of the building. |
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Ultimately, the right time to start a restoration project is before conditions become critical. By addressing needs early, building stewards honor not only the architectural and artistic significance of their spaces but also their responsibility to preserve them for future generations. |
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At Canning, we believe thoughtful planning is the foundation of meaningful preservation. The decisions made at the beginning of every project can shape the success and longevity of a restoration plan for decades to come. |
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Latest Articles & Announcements |
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| 3 Types of Paint Used in Historic Public Buildings |
Chemistry is an important variable in historic restoration and conservation as it relates to determining the compatibility of historic and restorative materials. While it is often best practice to replace in kind, many modern advancements in paint have provided more sustainable, long-term solutions. During the early stages of a project, a historic paint investigation and paint microscopy evaluation will uncover the history of the paint layers. During this investigation, tests are often performed to determine compatible materials for repair. As an owner, a report of these findings is helpful in understanding the material make-up of the building as well as the process of restoration. In this blog, learn about the three primary types of paints historically used in public buildings, and what they are composed of.
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Signs That Your University's Chapel Needs Restoration or Repair |
For many campuses, the college chapel is a beating heart within the student body. Amidst the stress of exams, networking, and being away from home, students need a place of refuge outside of their own dorm rooms, and one that connects them to a larger community. If your university chapel shows any of the following signs of wear or if you find evidence of previous decoration, it may be time to prioritize this home-away-from-home and protect one of the most beautiful and meaningful parts of campus. In this blog, discover the key warning signs that indicate your University Chapel may need restoration or repair and protect your campus's sacred spaces.
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Canning's Project Coordinator, Hope Ensing, and President David Riccio joined The Literary Catholic to discuss the role we have in the decorative arts of sacred architecture. The conversation focuses on various crucial projects we have worked on, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin, the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist in Stamford, Connecticut, and St. Mary Church in Norwalk, Connecticut. We delve into these case studies and discuss how murals, mosaics, ornament, and architectural vision unite to form a sacred space that embodies faith. This episode invites listeners into a reflection on beauty and how the decorative arts shape a house for God that elevates hearts and minds. Watch the podcast on The Literary Catholic's YouTube channel.
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As we step into a new year, we're also beginning a very special one for Canning. 2026 marks our 50th anniversary! For five decades, we've had the privilege of preserving historic spaces, honoring traditional craftsmanship, and working alongside dedicated clients and partners who share our commitment to historic preservation. This milestone is not just a celebration of our past, but a reflection of the relationships, passion, and trust that have carried us forward. As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, we're excited to unveil a newly redesigned Canning website launching soon. Stay tuned and be among the first to explore the new site. We are excited to commemorate this anniversary throughout the year, and invite you to follow along as we share stories, milestones, and moments that honor our legacy and the future still to come.
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Some of the Canning crew gathered and had an amazing time celebrating together at our holiday party at the Foodology Lab in Plantsville, CT. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect as a team and reflect on everything we've accomplished together over the past year. As we look ahead to an exciting milestone, our upcoming celebration of 50 years in business, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a role in shaping our journey over the decades. We hope your holiday season was filled with peace, joy, and meaningful moments with loved ones. As we welcome this fresh start, we look forward to a year ahead filled with continued growth, prosperity, and shared success.
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Canning is excited to be sponsoring and exhibiting at the APT Northeast 2026 Annual Meeting and Symposium on March 6th. This year's Symposium, Bright Ideas: Technology & Transformation in Preservation, will explore how emerging tools and technologies are reshaping preservation practice, and building on traditional methods while looking toward the future. This event includes educational presentations, insightful tours, meaningful networking, receptions, and more. During the Symposium, Canning's President, David Riccio, will be co-presenting with Preston Hull of Building Conservation Associates, Inc. on Restoration of Acoustic Simulated Limestone: Balancing Tradition/Innovation in Preservation. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity and register now. Click here for more details on the schedule and registration.
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The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) 2026 Annual Meeting, Through the Lens of Mission, is quickly approaching. Canning will be sponsoring and attending the Annual Meeting, which takes place from January 31st through February 2nd at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, D.C. The 2026 Annual Meeting is intended to provide narrative, strategies, and resources for collectively advancing the mission of Catholic higher education through presentations and educational sessions. Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Click here to register.
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Interested in Seeing More of Our Work? Follow Us on TikTok!
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Check out our interview with Principal David Riccio, discussing the most impactful projects he’s been involved in. |
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We understand the importance of sharing our expertise and knowledge in our field. Besides the monthly newsletter and blogs we post, we also develop and share downloadable resources to help guide you in your conservation, preservation, and restoration projects. Check out the Resources page and see if any of the resources can help answer some of your questions and provide a better understanding of some of the intricacies in the preservation field.
Check out our Featured Downloadable Resource below. |
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Take a look at our Architectural Preservation Glossary and learn about the timeless importance of architectural preservation. This glossary provides a resource for anyone interested in learning more about the terminology of the preservation world. |
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If you think others would be interested in our content, please forward it!
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The Association for Preservation Technology (APT) is the premier cross-disciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structure and their settings.
Annual Conference October 26-30, 2026
Indianapolis, IN |
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As a national nonprofit preservation organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America's historic places and is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more or get involved. |
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The American Institute for Conservation and the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation work together to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. Partner with us to further that mission.
Annual Meeting April 28 - May 2, 2026 Montréal, Canada |
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JOIN THE CONVERSATION #PerfectingPreservation #jcanningcrew |
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