Our Case Studies

The board decided to repoint most of the pier brick in the front façade, which required matching the color and profile of the original joints. This proved to be harder than a typical masonry joint. Additionally, the bricks could not be damaged by the old mortar-removal process — otherwise they would have to be replaced.

Additional challenges included removing and installing larger bluestone sills, cleaning red smooth jamb bricks with higher porosity, cleaning decades-old limestone soiling, locating matching brick samples for front and rear elevations, and discovering brick variations above the 11th floor during the gable rebuilding.

A thin blade was used to cut down the middle of the joint, and the rest was removed with an oscillating tool fitted with blades that will not damage the underside or top of the brick. Devised stone-moving methods to prevent damage.

Applied multiple cleaning passes with specialized products, with wet sanding as a last resort. Hand-selected individual bricks for color matching and mixed Cathedral Stone mineral stains to achieve proper color balance between old and new masonry.

Local Law 11 repairs including facade cleaning, spot pointing, brick repairs, lintel replacement, bluestone and limestone patching using Cathedral Stone, and window caulking. Also: spandrel beam repairs with waterproofing, sill replacement, A/C opening infills, window infills, repointing of pier brick (5,200 sq ft), parapet wall restoration with gables and coping stones, and door and window infills.