Project Description
CTS Group Architecture/Planning PA was part of a team recently selected by the New York Landmarks Conservancy as a 2022 recipient of its highest honor, the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, for its work as restoration architect on the landmark cast iron building: 55 Reade Street, New York, NY. This transitional Italianate/French Second Empire cast iron building is an individual New York City landmark. It was designed by noted architect John B. Snook for the estate of wholesale grocer and tobacco merchant Stephen Storm. It’s slate-clad Mansard roof topped by iron cresting signify the prestige of this commercial structure.
The comprehensive restoration work included repair and replacement of missing and deteriorated cast iron elements including decorative columns, capitals and cornices; restoration and re-creation of deteriorated sheet metal dormers; replacement of damaged slate roofing; replacement of arched wood windows as well as wood storefronts.
CTS Group assessed all building conditions guiding the selective repair and replacement and recorded existing details of all features which served as the basis of the replication of missing and severely damaged features. Scientific paint sampling provided the basis for repainting of existing and new cast iron and wood elements. New wood windows were fabricated based on detailed field drawings and the decorative iron cresting was replicated from remnant pieces found on the site.