EDG Architecture + Engineering

58 West 40th St, 5th Fl. New York, NY, 10018

(212) 683-5680

info@edgnyc.com

235 East 49th Street

Façade Restoration | FISP

Turtle Bay

2020

  • Overview
  • Approach
  • Impact
  • Related

Seamless Facade Repairs Amid Complex Structural Challenges

All Projects

235 East 49th Street

Seamless Facade Repairs Amid Complex Structural Challenges

OVERVIEW

Nestled in the heart of Midtown East, 235 East 49th Street is a 12-story mixed-use building whose full facade restoration was driven by both urgent structural needs and a commitment to preserving its architectural integrity.

The project’s complexity stemmed from the building’s existing mansard roof and compromised sidewalk vault, presenting significant access and staging challenges. EDG was brought on to lead a comprehensive, hands-on intervention that would balance regulatory compliance, long-term durability, and a seamless visual restoration.

BUILDING HISTORY

  • Originally Built As New York Theological Seminary
  • Original Design Henry Ives Cobb, 1926
  • Architectural Style Pre-War Gothic Revival
  • Conversion to Residential George S. Kaufman, 1982

APPROACH

The 235 East 49th Street Tenants Corp sought a complete resolution to FISP Cycle 8C Unsafe conditions while minimizing impact to ongoing commercial operations.

The goal was to bring the building into compliance swiftly and cost-effectively, avoiding violations and unsafe conditions, while protecting the commercial spaces below from excessive disruption. The client turned to EDG to guide the property through a critical repair phase that would address deteriorated masonry, structural deficiencies at the street vault, and aesthetic concerns at the limestone base—all while maintaining continuity of building function.


BY THE NUMBERS

  • Project Value $1,000,000
  • Building Height 12 Stories | 130'
  • Project Scale 60,000 sq ft
  • FISP Cycle Cycle 8C

Project Details

  • Building Material Masonry, Limestone + Precast
  • Project Scope FISP, Structural Work + Facade Restoration
  • Access Type Pipe | Hung Scaffolding
  • Project Duration 2017-2020

IMPACT

We leveraged our integrated architecture and engineering capabilities to take full control of both the building envelope restoration and the specialized structural shoring required at the vault.


Our team developed a tailored mobilization plan using 100% pipe scaffolding and vault shoring that respected site constraints and neighboring property demands—including sensitive coordination with a neighboring embassy. By drawing on our extensive knowledge of similar materials and typologies, we scoped and budgeted the project efficiently without requiring intensive exploratory inspections. Throughout, we maintained close collaboration with building management and ownership, keeping the project on schedule and ensuring that all repairs met the highest standards of durability and FISP compliance.



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