Historic masonry and terra cotta restoration at one of New York City's oldest and most distinguished synagogue buildings.
Central Synagogue, located at the corner of 55th Street and Lexington Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, is one of the oldest synagogue buildings in continuous use in New York City. Completed in 1872 and designed by architect Henry Fernbach, the structure is a landmark example of Moorish Revival architecture in the United States. Its distinctive onion domes, polychrome stonework, and ornamental terra cotta place it among the city's most architecturally significant religious buildings. Central Synagogue is designated both a New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.
Graciano Corporation performed historic masonry and terra cotta restoration at Central Synagogue, addressing the characteristic material deterioration that affects 19th-century masonry landmarks in the New York City urban environment. The work required careful attention to the Moorish Revival detailing, including the ornamental terra cotta elements that contribute to the building's distinctive character.
Central Synagogue's exterior combines brownstone, brick, and extensive ornamental terra cotta in a design that was ambitious for its era and remains technically demanding to restore. Moorish Revival ornament is characterized by intricate geometric patterns, pointed arches, and elaborate surface decoration. Accurately replicating or repairing these elements requires craftsmen with deep familiarity in historic masonry materials and period detailing.
Terra cotta, which was widely used in 19th-century New York City construction as a durable and sculptable material, presents particular restoration challenges. Hollow-body units can spall, crack, or lose anchoring over time, and replacement units must be fabricated to match the original profile, glaze color, and surface texture. On a building as prominently detailed as Central Synagogue, material matching is held to a high standard by the landmark designation requirements.
All work at Central Synagogue was conducted in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the requirements of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. On designated landmarks, Graciano prepares and submits all required documentation, specifies materials that are appropriate to the historic fabric, and performs work in a manner that protects the building's integrity for future generations.
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, and approximately 90% of all labor self-performed, Graciano has the depth and geographic reach to manage complex, multi-material historic programs. Graciano is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise.
From urban high-rises to historic institutions, Graciano has the experience, crew, and logistics capability to handle complex restoration programs.