A Celebration of Historic Preservation

New York, April 30, 2015

RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC is proud to announce that its historic restoration project at 901 Broadway, which The New York Observer called “one of the most architecturally unique buildings still standing in Manhattan,” received a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

Constructed in 1870 on the corner of 20th Street in what is now the Ladies Mile Historic District, 901 Broadway was the first iron-framed building in New York City. Originally home to the Lord & Taylor Dry Goods store, the five-story structure has an ornate cast-iron facade, a turret, a corner pavilion, and a tall slate mansard roof. In 1915, Lord & Taylor relocated its store to its present day location at Fifth Avenue and 38th Street. 901 Broadway was transitioned into manufacturing use and gradually fell into disrepair.

Now part of the Ladies’ Mile Historic District, the building was designated a New York City Landmark in 1977, but it continued its steady decline. In 2011, RAND was hired to design and administer an extensive exterior restoration program, reviving the building’s original architectural and historic glory and setting the stage for its comeback.

The $1.8 million restoration program was extensive: Decorative cast iron facade elements, including ledges, capitals, and finials were repaired or replaced with fiberglass replica. The white cast iron facade and fire escape were repainted, and historic wood windows and doors were repaired and refurbished. A major crack in the pavilion was repaired and the roofing system was reinforced. Original slate shingles on the mansard and pavilion roofs were reinstalled or replaced with new matching slates. The dormer was rebuilt with pressed metal to match the original configuration, and the failed drainage system was replaced.

In a nod to the building’s history, the ground floor now houses a Brooks Brothers store, with a mix of residential and commercial spaces on the upper floors. The building is owned by Vladimir Kokorev of Karass Development.

Presented by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, one of the city’s long-standing bastions for architectural preservation, the preservation awards honor the late Lucy Goldschmidt Moses, whose generosity, dedication, and many philanthropic interests benefitted New York for more than 50 years. This year’s 25th anniversary event was held in the sanctuary of The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn. Also an award recipient this year, the cathedral recently underwent a revival of its own, including the restoration of its Spanish Colonial style exterior, the refurbishment of existing murals, and the commission of several new paintings. It was a magnificent space to hold such a distinguished event.

Among the other project award winners were Kings Theater, Tavern on the Green, Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights, and The Players. Also honored was Christopher Gray, the former New York Times “Streetscapes” columnist, who received the Preservation Leadership Award for his extensive research and writing about New York City buildings for more than 40 years.

“RAND is honored to have been part of this wonderful celebration of New York City’s historic preservation achievements,” said RAND President Stephen A. Varone, AIA.  “We’re proud to have played an important role in restoring one of the city’s treasured landmarks.”

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RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC
159 West 25th Street | New York, NY 10001
P: 212-675-8844 |