Restoring a Crumbing Historical Facade in Greenwich Village
SOURCE: Habitat Magazine
AUTHOR: Emily Myers
DATE: January 30, 2025
Curbed recently profiled a project in Greenwich Village, highlighting the successful preservation of a prewar Manhattan co-op. A NYC FISP project, scheduled inspection revealed a historic frieze in great need of repair. Boston Valley Terra Cotta was pleased to be a part of the restoration project, fabricating replacement masonry units for the landmarked building.
The project required nearly a full replacement of the sculptural units at the cornice, including lion heads, cartouches, column segments, and finials. Boston Valley’s finishing department played a vital role in replicating the intricate sculptural details, ensuring each piece was crafted with precision to match the original design and preserve the architectural integrity of the cornice. Refining detailed units such as those found on the cornice of the Greenwich Co-op building requires adequate time and attention to achieve the desired results.
Particularly challenging was the redesign of the top course of the cornice. The original design included flashing with scuppers along the cornice; revised plans called for the removal of these features. As a result, it was necessary to modify the terra cotta to include a full glaze face on the top of the large units, ensuring they could properly shed water back towards the building. Throughout the project, all parties worked closely together to understand the design intent and deliver terra cotta that met both aesthetic and functional requirements.
After a 10-month long process of meticulous work, Boston Valley Terra Cotta restored the Greenwich Co-op building’s historical facade, ensuring its enduring legacy.
