The Historic Stonewall Inn Facade
Façade Restoration
Greenwich Village
2019
Preserving Stonewall’s Legacy Through Thoughtful Façade Restoration
OVERVIEW
Our team was honored to restore the façade of the historic Stonewall Inn.
Stonewall is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of resilience and progress as the center of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that gave way to the modern day Gay Rights Movement, making its preservation a task of profound importance. As a national monument and an iconic fixture within Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, this landmark required meticulous care during its recent façade restoration. EDG embraced this responsibility, seamlessly integrating upgrades for longevity while preserving the building's historic appearance.
BACKGROUND
- The Stonewall Inn Riots The 1969 Riots are considered the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement.
- Landmark Status 51 Christopher Street is landmarked on the city, state and federal level.
- National Monument In 2016, the 7.7 acre site of the Stonewall Riots was dedicated as a national monument.
Before Restoration
APPROACH
Our team at EDG approached the Stonewall façade restoration with a commitment to historical accuracy and modern efficiency.
We began with a comprehensive survey of the building’s exterior to evaluate its condition and develop detailed repair plans. By consulting historic photographs, EDG sought to preserve the historic integrity including stucco work compromised by a previous restoration attempt by another firm. This required new stucco to maintain structural stability and was meticulously replicated to match the original stucco scoring pattern. Throughout the project, we collaborated closely with contractors and the building’s ownership to ensure that every phase of the work met the stringent requirements of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Our seamless integration of modern drainage solutions into the historic structure extended the life of the repairs without compromising the building’s character.
IMPACT
The Stonewall façade restoration revitalized an essential piece of American history and ensured its preservation for future generations.
Our efforts have been widely recognized for their sensitivity to the landmark’s significance, contributing to the ongoing preservation of one of the most important cultural sites in the nation. Our work set the stage for half the site to house the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, which EDG’s design team completed in 2024.
Before Restoration
After Restoration
