Description:

SKAPC’s expertise in historical restorations and terra cotta repair drove the façade renovation for this c. 1899 building in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood. Located in the famed Ladies’ Mile Historic District, maintaining the construction quality and historical design aesthetics were paramount to the project. The landmark building’s significant architectural features include beautiful cornices, carved stoned and terra cotta details.

This former warehouse site was designed by Robert Maynicke and known as the Corn Exchange Bank Building. In 1977, it was converted to 19 residential lofts within 12 stories, and a duplex penthouse unit subsequently created an additional 13th floor.

SKAPC first focused on façade restoration following the building’s unsafe façade inspectionreport, which was due to damaged terra cotta detailing. The firm used 3-D mapping of the entire façade to perform emergency stabilization and remediation work, which included the repair of some terra cotta and replacing hazardous sections with fiberglass and cast stone.

Terra cotta is known for its difficulties in repairing and refurbishing due to its heaviness and high cost. Mimicking the terra cotta with fiberglass lends itself to a significant cost decreasefor owners, provides an almost identical aesthetic to that of terra cotta, and avoids extraordinarily long fabrication delays.

SKAPC also uncovered and repaired damage to the building’s structural frame and repaired problematic detailing and water infiltration stemming from the 1980s-era penthouse addition. Subsequent SKAPC projects included replacing the ornate cornices with fiberglass – achieving the same great success as its work with terra cotta – and removal of a water tower. The work met all landmark requirements and the building façade status changed to safe.

SKAPC worked on this project with Sandeep Sikka, a historic preservation architect whose experience includes Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Falling Water property, who served as the owners’ representative during this project.