CTS Group Architecture Planning PA was recently awarded a Gold Medal Design Award from the American Institute of Architects regional chapter.  The Newark Suburban chapter presented CTS Group with a Gold Medal in the “Historic Preservation” category.

Once known as the “Leaning Landmark,” this historic building at 55 Reade Street, New York, NY, was at risk of collapse in 2007.  Leaning nearly eight inches to the south due to excavation work on its neighboring property, steel bracing was installed to keep it upright.  Years of neglect and water infiltration through the roof, windows, and floor beams left the façade of the landmark building in severe disrepair.

Originally designed by renowned architect John B. Snook for the estate of wholesale grocer and tobacco merchant Stephen Storm.  The transitional Italianate French Second Empire cast iron building was a standout with its slate-clad mansard roof pierced by dormers and topped with lacy iron cresting signifying the prestige of this elaborate historic structure.

The comprehensive exterior façade restoration work, completed in 2020, included repair and replacement of missing and deteriorated cast iron elements, including decorative columns, capitals and cornices, restoration of re-creation of deteriorated sheet metal dormers, replacement of damaged slate roofing and replacement of arched wood windows and 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.