Masonry Units from NYC’s James A. Farley Post Office Serve as Reference for Moynihan Train Hall Restoration
The Daniel Patrick Moynihan Train Hall in New York City is set to become a hub of modern transportation fitting of New York City’s historic grandeur. The train hall will be located across the street from the already existing 34th Street Station in the James A. Farley Post Office. Renovations are already underway under the direction of architects at SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) — the construction on the Moynihan Train Hall is set to be completed by 2020.
The scope of this architectural restoration project encompasses the interior reconstruction of 255,000 square feet dedicated solely to the train station with 9 platforms, 17 tracks, and a 92-foot high skylight. The building’s restoration also features an additional 700,000 square feet for commercial, retail, and dining spaces.
Currently, terra cotta pieces are being manufactured at Boston Valley Terra Cotta. Masonry units from the James A. Farley Post Office serve as references to replicate the new terra cotta masonry. Pieces are reproduced through a few forming methods. Some units will be extruded, while the more complex pieces will be hand pressed or slip cast; moulds are made from the original pieces to create reproductions that are identical to the originals.
Original pieces of terra cotta masonry are being used in the restoration process to create new masonry units.
Terra cotta torches await firing for the Moynihan train hall.
Terra cotta units await finishing.
Units of terra cotta masonry in different stages of drying awaiting glaze application.
