The CHALLENGE

Nestled in the remote high desert of Mineral County, Nine Mile Ranch carries a rich past—from its use by the Paiute people to its stopover fame during the gold rush. But time had not been kind to the structure.

The historic ranch house was in shambles. Stone had crumbled to the ground, walls were torn apart, and the original finishes had all but vanished. The goal was to seismically reinforce and restore the structure to resemble its original 1800s appearance, without compromising historical accuracy.

The project required not only a delicate hand to maintain the building’s heritage but also innovative construction methods to stabilize a structure that was barely standing.

The Strategy

Reyman Brothers Construction approached this historic preservation project with a blend of modern engineering and traditional craftsmanship—carefully balancing code compliance, aesthetics, and heritage.

Key Project Steps:

• Preconstruction & Planning:
  • Internal debrief, owner meetings, and subcontractor coordination
  • Integrated digital progress tracking for clear visibility
    
• Stabilization & Selective Demolition:
  • First floor: Abatement and removal of non-load-bearing wood walls
  • Second floor: Full demo of walls, porch, roof, and non-essential systems
  • Careful deconstruction and cataloging of original stone veneer for reuse
    
• Structural Retrofit:
  • Installed structural voidspan bond and anchor system
  • Formed and poured a concrete bond beam for support
  • Installed brick ties and rebuilt the rear annex stone wall for lateral strength
    
• Rebuild & Finishes:
  • New roof and porch construction
  • Custom finishes to match historic photographs
  • Paint and weather treatment for long-term preservation

Project Goals

Short-Term:

• Stabilize the existing first floor
• Mobilize masonry teams to assess and adapt to the character of existing stone
  

Long-Term:

• Deliver a seismically stable, historically accurate structure
• Preserve the Hilton family’s heritage for the Nevada Division of State Parks and future generations

The Solution

Reyman Brothers transformed a deteriorating, nearly forgotten historic ranch house into a beautifully restored heritage site—blending seismic innovation with the charm of the Old West. What was once rubble is now a place for education, exploration, and cultural preservation.

The Nine Mile Ranch renovation offers a space for families, tourists, and history lovers to experience a tangible piece of Nevada’s past—brought back to life through careful stewardship and craftsmanship.

The Results

• Preserved Historic Character: Honored original materials while reinforcing structural integrity
• Supported Long-Term Development: Created momentum for continued restoration of the property
• Aesthetic Revival: Matched the original 1800s look with modern materials and skilled masonry
• Cultural Tourism Asset: Transformed into a public-facing heritage stop on Nevada’s historical trail