History

In the early 1970’s, the ZCMI department store in downtown Salt Lake City was slated for demolition to make way for a new retail development. Steve Baird, an experienced preservation architect, was given the challenge to study the building and see if there was a way to integrate a part of the old store into the project. It seemed obvious for him to focus on the three story classical cast iron façade that had been a prominent landmark in down town Salt Lake City for more than 100 years. His initial research reveled a complex structure comprised of thousands of cast iron components mechanically fastened together much like an erector set. Through further investigation, he discovered that few, if any, people in the country had knowledge and experience with these materials and construction technology. The successful completion of the ZCMI restoration and the ensuing demand for similar type work became the impetus for the development of Historical Arts & Casting.

Carefully dismantling and cataloging the ZCMI cast iron facade helped Steve understand the façade’s inner workings. Many of the components were deteriorated and not usable for the restoration. With the help of local metal fabricators, pattern makers and foundry men, the façade was beautifully restored and became the center piece of Salt Lake City’s new retail development.

News of the project quickly spread through preservation circles around the country and Mr. Baird was asked to consult on numerous projects from New York to California. The design for these projects was very involved leaving little time for the correlation and organization of the craftsmen working on the projects.

Dave Baird, a member of his father’s staff started the correlation of the various subcontractors involved in the early projects. With an interest in mechanical things and manufacturing technology, he started assembling some of the components for these projects in his parent’s garage. By 1975, the first shop space was leased and Historical Arts & Casting was assembling the metalwork for Steve’s projects. The team grew with the addition of two more of the Baird sons involvement, as well as other associates.

In 1979 Philip Johnson heard about their work from the Friends of Cast Iron in New York City. The thought of traditional cast metal work on his new post modern buildings was intriguing and he contacted Steve’s architectural firm. Their first project together was completed by 1984 and the relations ship continued for another ten years with projects in San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, New York City and Atlanta.

Other architectural firms started calling on the services of Historical Arts & Casting and relationships were formed leading to numerous projects across the country including: State Capitols, Federal Court Buildings, Parks, Public Libraries, Religious buildings, Commercial office buildings and exclusive residential projects.

With restoration work and new construction booming, the demand for Historical Arts & Casting to help better control the manufacturing process became critical. The decision was made to bring in house all of the phases of the work from design to installation. Skilled craftsmen were brought on board to lead and train new staff in the various areas that were previously sub contracted out. In 1993, ten acres in West Jordan, Utah were acquired to build a modern plant that would house the growing operation. The facility was fitted out with all of the required machinery and equipment to facilitate the large scale projects going on across the country. Modern computer technology was incorporated to increase design and manufacturing capabilities.

Today Historical Arts & Casting has developed a large body of clients and completed award winning projects nationally and internationally. Their team is well seasoned and their facility is well equipped making it possible for them to take on any project. The same spirit and love for discovery that led Steve Baird into this industry continues to thrive in the hearts and minds of those who are leading this organization in to the future.