Hardlines Design Company (HDC) was commissioned by Roth Partnership to be the Historic Architect for the rehabilitation of the entire exterior enclosure of the circa 1931 Oyler School in Cincinnati, Ohio. The building was designed by Samuel Hannaford, one of the most admired architects in the history of Cincinnati. The exterior restoration is part of a total building renovation that includes new additions and enclosed roof top play yards. The design of the original building blends the Art Deco style with Italian Romanesque. The exterior contains decorative architectural glazed terracotta details that highlight the brick facades. In addition, sculpted figures of children and gargoyles accentuate the facades. Other exterior features and assemblies include operable wood and wrought-iron windows and doors, and low-sloped roofs.
For the exterior rehabilitation, HDC conducted a condition assessment of the entire building envelope, identified deficiencies, and provided corrective actions. HDC developed design documents for the restoration of the architectural terracotta, the exterior brick facades, and the replacement of the roofing systems. Work to restore the building to a renewed historic appearance was done in accordance with OSFC standards.