Masonry Magazine April 1980 Page. 41
New York City Landmark
Has Fresh New Face
One of New York City's most venerable buildings, Alwyn Court, is in the midst of a dramatic facelift. Although much of the drama is in the viewing, as its ornate facade emerges from behind decades of dirt and grime, a less visible but equally compelling drama took place in determining the cleaning method for the building.
According to Gerald E. Boyer, president of ProSoCo Inc., the firm charged with developing the cleaning materials for the restoration of Alwyn Court, many unusual constraints were faced when determining the technique for cleaning the building.
"As Alwyn Court is not only a designated landmark, but one of the most unusual buildings in terms of architectural design," said Boyer, "approvals for its renovation had to come not only from building ownership and architects, but from the New York City Landmark Commission as well."
Then there is the architecture of the building itself. Built in 1906, the terra cotta encased structure is literally covered by an ornate scroll reminiscent of the famed salamander design of Francois I. Although remarkably beautiful, this design was so blackened that much of the detail was completely obscured.
"In selecting a suitable cleaning method for this building, we therefore had several unusual factors to consider," pointed out Boyer. "The age of the building, the intricacy of its design, and the approval of all parties responsible for its restoration. Naturally, each shared a concern for the building's architectural integrity, and although each wished
ANCHOR "Hy-Dump"
Low Charge 38"- High Discharge 35" 12 cu. ft. capacity
Power Dump
Anchor
Dealer
Inquiries
Invited
Designed especially to provide a low charging height and a high discharge height coupled with a power dump. A fast mixing machine capable of dumping into wheelbarrow, concrete buggy or mor mortar pump.
For information, phone (312) 247-2530 or write
ANCHOR MANUFACTURING CO.
2922 W. 26th St., Chicago, III. 60623
Alwyn Court, one of New York City's most graceful landmark buildings, as it appears following exterior cleaning.
ORIGINATORS OF
Pre-Fabricated Glass Block Panels
CUSTOM MADE TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR
SCHALKE GLASS BLOCK - GERRIX HOLLOW
GLASS BLOCK
MANY STYLES AND SHAPES
SASH REPLACEMENT
SPECIALISTS IN THE INSTALLATION OF
GLASS BLOCK
FRED BEYER
Since 1910
7810 S. Claremont Chicago, III. 60620
(312) PR 8-4300
MASONRY/APRIL, 1980 41