44 West 77th Street is a 15-story Upper West Side co-op featuring a wedding cake terra cotta facade -- an extremely ornate style popular at the turn of the twentieth century. Constructed between 1908 and 1911, the building's continual exposure to the elements had cracked and damaged the terra cotta over the decades, allowing water to infiltrate the structure. Parapets had deteriorated beyond repair, and roofs, chimneys, and windows all required significant restoration work to preserve this landmark structure.
Graciano Corporation was engaged to perform a comprehensive exterior restoration. The scope expanded as the team gained access to the building envelope and discovered the full extent of the water infiltration and terra cotta damage that decades of weather exposure had caused.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Parapet wall removal and rebuilding
- Facade shoring where window openings compromised structural support
- Damaged terra cotta removal, repair, and replacement with matching components
- Dutchman installation
- Window restoration and reglazing
- Total roof replacement with Kemper system
- Roof slate and copper trim replacement
- Penthouse exterior surface replacement
- Chimney reconstruction preserving terra cotta while upgrading flues to code
Parapet Rebuilding and Facade Shoring
The parapets at 44 West 77th Street had deteriorated to the point where removal and complete rebuilding were required. In areas where window openings had compromised the structural support of the facade, Graciano craftsmen installed shoring before proceeding with repairs -- a precautionary measure that protected building occupants and preserved structural integrity throughout the project.
Terra Cotta Repair and Replacement
The building's defining feature is its elaborate terra cotta ornamentation, which required careful attention to match the original in profile, glaze, and color. Damaged units were removed and replaced with matching components; where damage was limited, Dutchman repairs preserved as much original material as possible. Graciano's experience with early-twentieth-century terra cotta buildings throughout New York City was central to achieving a result that preserved the building's architectural character.
Roof, Chimney, and Window Restoration
The total roof replacement used a Kemper waterproofing system, with roof slate and copper trim replaced to match the original detailing. Penthouse exterior surfaces were replaced. The chimneys were reconstructed in a manner that preserved the existing terra cotta ornamentation while bringing the flue liners and construction up to current code. Windows throughout the building were restored and reglazed, eliminating a significant source of water infiltration.
About Graciano Corporation
Founded in 1916, Graciano Corporation is one of the oldest and most experienced masonry and concrete restoration firms in the United States. With offices in Pittsburgh, PA, New York, NY, and Florida, Graciano has restored some of New York's most significant residential and landmark buildings. The company is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise performing approximately 90% of all work in-house with its own skilled journeymen.