The 25 – Andrew deGruchy

Andrew deGruchy has spent more than four decades championing the use of traditional lime-based materials. As founder and owner of LimeWorks.us—the nation’s top manufacturer and distributor of environmentally friendly mortars, plasters, and paints—he is at the forefront of a growing movement to revive time-honored craftsmanship and protect the architectural heritage of American communities.

His commitment to excellence in masonry restoration began in 1979, when he earned a full scholarship to Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades (now Williamson College of the Trades). There, he completed a three-year masonry program and was honored with the school’s prestigious “Key” award for exemplifying its founding ideals. 

Over the past 40 years—working at his original company, deGruchy Masonry Restoration, and for 26 years at LimeWorks.us—deGruchy has led specialized crews in the restoration of hundreds of historic buildings throughout the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys of Pennsylvania. Their work is a testament to technical precision and a deep reverence for America’s built heritage

Recent projects include the Stroud Mansion for the Monroe County Historical Association, the Fischer Fine Arts Library at the University of Pennsylvania, and the iconic Tower at the University of Texas at Austin. All were restored using custom-formulated lime mortars and materials. 

The company’s training and education initiatives allow deGruchy and his team to pass on traditional skills to the next generation of artisans and preservationists. His volunteer efforts often focus on America’s historic burial grounds and vintage architecture, areas he sees as key to understanding and honoring our shared past. 

At the heart of this impressive body of work is a calling to preserve the cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks that define American identity.