The Woolworth Restoration Begins with 3D Digital Scan Technology

The Woolworth Building, designed by renowned architect, Cass Gilbert, held the record for the world’s tallest sky scrapper from its completion in 1913 until 1930.  Designed in the Neo- Gothic style with detailed terra cotta cladding, the 60 story building stood as a symbol of the F. W. Woolworth Company and shaped the New York City skyline.

Boston Valley Terra Cotta is using fully integrated digital technology for the architectural terra cotta restoration of the Woolworth Building to make the process from surveying to installation faster and more accurate. The first steps began with using 3D scan technology, photogrammetry and laser scanning, to create high resolution spatial data and profiles on-site. These advanced surveying methods allow modeling and drafting to begin sooner, reducing the time from weeks to days.

Not only will these 3D renderings help with eliminating steps to the restoration process, including sight castings and field re-visits, they also provide a historically accurate digital record of the building’s façade as it exists at the present moment.

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Documenting the details of window sills.

Each piece of the building’s façade that will be replicated is marked and photographed.

Hundreds of photos are taken during the survey process to provide an accurate scan of the building’s façade.