90 Church Street is a landmark Federalist-style building in Lower Manhattan, completed in 1935. Clad in limestone with a granite base, it features decorative stonework eagles and cast aluminum details that give the building a distinctive civic character. Its location adjacent to the World Trade Center site places it in one of New York City's most historically and architecturally significant blocks.
1994: Complete Exterior Restoration
In 1994, Graciano Corporation was contracted to perform a complete restoration of the building's exterior. The work followed strict historic landmark guidelines applicable to New York City landmarked structures, addressing accumulated deterioration in the limestone cladding, granite base, and ornamental masonry elements throughout the facade.
The project drew recognition as an example of a private-sector contractor successfully meeting the demands of a public-sector landmark assignment -- and completing the work below budget. It reinforced Graciano's established capability in large-scale urban facade restoration under historic preservation oversight.
Scope of the 1994 Restoration
Services Performed (1994)
- Complete exterior restoration of the limestone facade
- Cleaning and surface treatment of limestone cladding
- Repair and repointing of masonry joints throughout the building envelope
- Stone repair and replacement at deteriorated locations
- Restoration of ornamental masonry features including decorative eagles and cast details
- Caulking and sealant work at facade transitions and window perimeters
- All work performed in compliance with NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements
2002: September 11th Damage Repair
On September 11, 2001, the collapse of 7 World Trade Center sent debris across the immediate neighborhood. The West Broadway side of 90 Church Street sustained significant damage from falling material, affecting masonry surfaces, stonework, and facade elements that Graciano had restored eight years earlier.
Graciano was called upon again in 2002 to assess and repair the damage. Working in a neighborhood still in the process of recovery and under heightened safety and access requirements, the team restored the affected sections of the facade and returned the building's exterior to sound condition.
Urban Logistics in Lower Manhattan
Both engagements at 90 Church Street required careful management of scaffolding, pedestrian safety, and material handling in one of Lower Manhattan's most active corridors. The 2002 work added the complexity of a post-disaster environment with restricted site access and coordination with ongoing recovery efforts at the adjacent World Trade Center site.
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 performed landmark facade restoration programs throughout New York City for over a century. Approximately 90% of all labor is self-performed by in-house craftsmen. Graciano is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise.