The New School is seeking approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a preservation project at its Educational Building at 70 Fifth Avenue, an individual landmark in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The 12-story building was built between 1912 and 1914 and designed by Charles Alonzo Rich in the Beaux-Arts style. Bacon Lane Architects is serving as architect of record, with Acheson Doyle Partners as preservation consultant and Cribstone Engineering as structural engineer.
The property is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and West 13th Street.
70 Fifth Avenue, via Google Maps.
The proposal addresses long-standing structural issues at the parapet and cornice, where deterioration of steel anchors, cracking terracotta, and compromised brick masonry have caused the weight of the existing cornice to transfer onto the building’s stone façade. According to the structural analysis, these conditions have resulted in cracking throughout the upper portions of the façade, prompting the need for intervention to reduce load and prevent further damage.
70 Fifth Avenue, via Google Maps.
To resolve these issues, the project proposes removing the existing terracotta cornice and replacing it with glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) designed to match the historic profile, detailing, and joint layout. The GFRP system significantly reduces the overall weight, allowing loads to be safely supported by the parapet wall rather than the façade. The scope also includes removal of corroded steel, selective masonry replacement, installation of new flashing and waterproofing, and repainting to match existing finishes.
70 Fifth Avenue, via Google Maps.
The closest subways from the property are the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W trains at the 14th Street–Union Square station.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
I recall when 998 Fifth opposite the Met Museum replaced its cornice about 15 years ago. They used real terra cotta as was the original, but on a stainless steel frame. That was obviously a costly job.
I’m not thrilled about losing the original stone materials for flimsy fiberglass, so they better make sure it matches correctly. This architectural gem must not be messed up.
I wouldn’t call it fiberglass. Something similar was done at City College to replace a lot of failing terra cotta, about 15-20 years ago.
While it is sad to see the original architectural details removed and replaced with (GRFP),
it is better to do ASAP, than risk a huge chunk falling to the sidewalk below…
risking someone’s life, like what happened in 2019!!
Thank heaven for Local Law 11.