Charlie Main was contacted by Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Chapel (Paso Robles, CA) to help them with a seismic retrofit of their historic building. The project expanded to include a complete interior and exterior renovation. The work scope included foundation reinforcement, extensive structural framing, asbestos removal and roof replacement. Retrofitting the building included grouting of the void in the double wythe exterior brick walls and installation of steel tubes in the 120 year old chimneys.

The majority of the work was finished just days before the San Simeon earthquake struck and the Chapel held up remarkably well, suffering only minor cosmetic damage while unreinforced buildings just blocks away collapsed or were nearly destroyed. During all phases of construction, Kuehl-Nicolay remained open for business and memorial services.