The New York Public Library—Main Branch

The first collaboration of the two Principals of Precise Renovation was the exterior restoration of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and 42^ndStreet. This 1905 Beaux-Arts masterpiece had long suffered from neglect. The heavily carved exterior façade of Vermont marble had acquired extensive carbon deposits, staining much of that carving. There was much erosion damage due to the effects of acid rain. The marble balusters at the roof level and first floor windows were severely spalled and cracked. Using a continuous light spray of water (12 to 24 hours) the building was gently cleaned. All of the marble balustrades were removed and replaced with concrete copies. We designed a special, spring-loaded pin for the baluster installation process.