The historic Schowengerdt House in downtown Warrenton is blocked by tape and signs reading "CAUTION POISON."The building is marked as a lead hazard area while a crew removes lead-based paint from mortar between the bricks. The house is owned by the Warren County Historical Society.The paint has to be removed before tuck-pointing can be done around the building's deteriorating exterior, said Walter Schroeder, who is on the building and facilities committee for the Schowengerdt House.Extra precaution in removing and disposing of the lead paint is mandated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Schroeder said. A specialized crew from Wellington Environmental Services will grind away the paint within the confines of enclosed scaffolding.Paint removal should be complete be mid-April, Schroeder said.

LEAD REMOVAL — The historic Schowengerdt House in downtown Warrenton is blocked by tape and signs reading "CAUTION POISON." The building is marked as a lead hazard area while a crew removes lead-based paint.

Record photo/Adam Rollins