285 Central Park West | New York, New York | Projects

Projects

New York, New York

285 Central Park West
Facade Restoration, Roof Repairs, and Window Master Plan

At the request of the 285 Central Park West Corporation, WJE conducted an investigation of the exterior masonry facades and copper roofing. Masonry distress was evident and included severely cracked terra cotta and bowed masonry under the bay windows. The original terra cotta was treated with a vinyl acetate coating which retained moisture within the masonry. The building was also plagued with falling snow and ice from the mansard roof in the winter months.

CLIENT
285 Central Park West Corporation

STRUCTURE
Originally named The St. Urban (apartments), the building is a residential co-operative located on Central Park West in New York City. Constructed in 1905 and designed by architect Robert T. Lyons, the building is irregular in plan and consists of a basement and 13 above grade floors. The street facades consist of limestone at the base, and brick with ornamental terra cotta throughout the remainder of the facades. The building has a copper shingle mansard roof. The original fenestration is completed with a combination of several types of wood windows. The building is a significant historical component of its neighborhood.

SCOPE OF SERVICE

Investigate exterior masonry facades and copper roofing

Develop masonry restoration and repair recommendations

Develop construction documents for facade repairs

Develop a historic window master plan

SOLUTION
Performed field investigation of exterior masonry:

Visual condition survey via Difficult Access Team

Probe openings

Water spray testing

Produced construction documents for the repair options selected by the owner

Designed the following repairs:

Terra cotta paint removal and facade cleaning program

Terra cotta replacement with architectural precast concrete