Preserving NYC’s Iconic Landmarks:
The Art of Historic Restoration
Preserving New York City’s architectural heritage is a delicate balance of honoring the past while ensuring structures meet modern safety standards. From ornate pre-war facades to intricately detailed terracotta cornices, these historic buildings are vital to the city’s identity. Avarga Construction Corp., a minority-owned, eco-conscious contractor serving the tri-state area since 2011, specializes in restoring the city’s historic landmarks with precision and care.
The Craft of Historic Restoration
Avarga Construction Corp. approaches historic restoration as both a science and an art. We specialize in bringing historic structures back to life, with services that include masonry repair, terracotta restoration, and facade stabilization. Our process begins with exhaustive research to understand a building’s original craftsmanship and historical significance. Collaborating closely with engineers and architects dedicated to preservation, we strive to restore each structure to its original glory while meeting today’s strict safety regulations.
Specialized Masonry and Terracotta Restoration
Masonry is often the cornerstone of a building’s structural and aesthetic appeal. Avarga’s skilled masons meticulously replace damaged bricks, re-point mortar joints, and restore natural and cast stone elements, ensuring the building’s structure remains solid while preserving the original craftsmanship. The same is true for decorative terracotta elements, which are integral to many historic NYC buildings. These are carefully repaired or replaced by Avarga’s artisans. They ensure that intricate details are maintained, enhancing the building’s aesthetic appeal while reinforcing its durability against environmental wear.
Whether re-pointing a 100-year-old brick facade or restoring a sculpted terracotta detail, Avarga ensures that every restoration meets local preservation standards while honoring the building’s original design.
Notable Landmark Restoration Projects
1501 Broadway – The Paramount Building, Times Square
Standing as a beacon in Times Square, 1501 Broadway, known as the Paramount Building, was completed in 1927 as the headquarters for Paramount Pictures. Designed by Rapp and Rapp, this 33-story skyscraper showcases a blend of Art Deco and Beaux-Arts architectural styles. Its iconic four-faced clock and illuminated globe atop the pyramidal structure are iconic features among all the landmark buildings in New York.
In its commitment to preserving this historic landmark, Avarga Construction undertook a comprehensive restoration project that included:
- Masonry Restoration: Repairing and replacing deteriorated brickwork to match the original façade.
- Sealant Replacement: Updating sealants to enhance the building’s weather resistance.
- Glazed Curtain Wall Securing: Ensuring the stability and integrity of the building’s curtain wall system.
- Roof Replacement: Installing a new roof to protect the structure from environmental elements.
40 Exchange Place – Financial District
Located in the heart of New York’s Financial District, 40 Exchange Place is a 20-story commercial building originally constructed in 1893 by architect John Townsend Williams. The site holds historical significance as the former location of the New York Stock Exchange from 1856 to 1865.
Avarga Construction played a pivotal role in the building’s restoration, addressing both structural and aesthetic aspects:
- Masonry Restoration: Repairing and restoring the building’s original masonry to preserve its historic character.
- Decorative Stone Repair: Fixing and replacing ornamental stone elements that had deteriorated over time.
- Corner Replacement: Reconstructing building corners to maintain structural integrity.
- Window Sealant Replacement: Updating window sealants to improve energy efficiency and prevent water infiltration.
- Sidewalk Vault Slab Replacement: Replacing the sidewalk vault slab to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Structural Steel Replacement: Updating structural steel components to meet modern building standards.
These restoration efforts were integral to the building’s transformation into a modern commercial space, blending historical architecture with contemporary functionality.
If you own or manage a landmark property in New York City, trust Avarga Construction to deliver expert restoration that meets the highest standards. Contact us today to learn how we can help preserve your building’s legacy.