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October 21, 2009
Major Facade Restoration
We are contemplating doing a major facade restoration on a 27 foot wide 5-story facade in Manhattan. It is landmarked and has an easement -- must be a careful, correct job. I am looking for a major, competent and experienced company to do the work.
Any recommendations??
Comments
For a house like that, and a facade restoration project of that size? Carl Culbreth and Preserv would be my hands down rec! Preserv came recommended to us by Don Friedman, a structural engineer who specializes in old house restorations (oldstructures.com). Unfortunately we couldn't afford them and our project was relatively small. But if we ever hit the lottery . . . . Check them out at www.preservinc.com
Posted by: Brooklynista at October 21, 2009 7:38 PM
Excellent recommendation.
Anyone had experience with Edson USA?
Posted by: MikeONYC at October 21, 2009 8:55 PM
Hi,
I recently had a front facade restoration in my three-story brownstone building. I was recommended to High-Tech Construction Co. by a friend and they did an astonishing job. It was great working with them. They provided me with quality service and an affordable deal. You can reach them at 1347-792-1266. Best of luck with your project.
Posted by: Tom55 at October 21, 2009 10:15 PM
The most effective way to get accurate pricing for your project is to engage a licensed architect (or professional engineer)to create bid drawings that document the proposed scope of work and then to have him bid his documents to at least 3 qualified contractors, analyze the returned bids, and make a recommendation to you based upon your needs and budget. Ed Kopel Architects
Posted by: edkopel at October 22, 2009 9:16 AM
We haven't used Edson ourselves, but over the years, I've watched them work on several brownstones in Park Slope and have always been struck by how well the finished product turns out. I have no idea how expensive they are (I'd assume they're pretty expensive, too much so for me at least) or how easy they are to deal with, but several years ago they redid the facade on the Brooklyn Conservatory on 7th ave. in North Slope, and I remember beig impressed with the result.
I've also seen them do complete facade overhauls on a brick-and-brownstone, on the north side of President just before 8th Ave., and on another brick-and-brownstone on 10th St., on the north side just a few houses before PPW. Sorry not to have the exact addresses, but they did such a good job repointing the buildings you can probably guess which ones they are yourself.
Posted by: petunia at October 22, 2009 10:23 AM
how funny. i was just in UES for the first time in ages last night and walked by this house and had to remark how elegant it was. i loved the stairs leading up to the front door. i wondered what sort of people must live in a house like that. i guess now i know a little more. :) i have no recommendations but good luck with the house -- it's beautiful and on a great block.
Posted by: duckumu at October 22, 2009 12:21 PM
I would second the recommendations above, and could provide a direct recommendation for Edson, with more detail. Please provide your email address so that I may respond.
Posted by: brooklyn architect at October 22, 2009 12:34 PM
It doesn't look too bad as is.
Posted by: mimi at October 22, 2009 12:52 PM
great house.
Posted by: bobjohn at October 22, 2009 1:46 PM
Mimi, I agree. Unless it's painted -- which one can't always tell from an online photo -- it's looks just fine.
But if money is no object, I would recommend restoring with real brownstone. The swirls and bands of color in natural stone, along with the tell-tale sparkle of mica, give it so much more depth and texture than tinted stucco can ever achieve. And of course it's historically correct. Neighbors in Prospect Heights did this and the difference is huge. Their facade was restored by a firm called Essex Works:
Douglas Schickler Principal
ESSEX WORKS, LTD.
843 Meeker Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11222
p: (718)218-8800 f: (718)218-8048 e:
dschickler@essexworks.com
Also, I believe the original Portland Brownstone Quarry in Portland, CT is still open and producing stone.
Posted by: grand army at October 22, 2009 2:57 PM
Edson restored my brownstone facade. Consistently professional and precise artisans. Easiest project I ever had done. I started out thinking they were overpriced but I had confidence in their ability so I went for it. Halfway through the job I thought I was getting my moneys worth. By the time they finished, I thought I had gotten a bargain.
Posted by: jfss at October 22, 2009 6:45 PM
Yeah, would be nice to know OP's motivation. That facade looks better than all the houses on my block.
I can only think the facade is tearing away, else what's to restore? Why?
Posted by: cmu at October 22, 2009 8:48 PM
Beautiful building.
Posted by: mopar at October 22, 2009 10:34 PM
Yeah it is beautiful, well heres another one for you guys to try after some digging on this site these peoples name came up too, looks solid.
D&H Contracting New York, tel:718-398-6693 www.dhcontractingny.com
P.S. The more bid u receive the better result u will have to choose from but as a home owner and current economy check if they are legit and knows what they are talking about.
Posted by: Josh89 at October 24, 2009 11:15 PM
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