Graciano Corporation has a long history of restoring and preserving religious properties throughout New York City and the region. The First Church of Christ Scientist, located at West 68th Street at Central Park West on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is one of the significant religious landmarks on that corridor. The neoclassical structure, constructed around the turn of the twentieth century, required comprehensive exterior restoration including facade repair, window work, and the reconstruction of major architectural elements.
Graciano was engaged to perform facade cleaning and repair, replace and refurbish windows throughout the structure, reconstruct the stairs and chimney, and reconstruct the dome -- a program that addressed the full envelope of the building and restored both its functional performance and its architectural presence on Central Park West. Work was completed in fall 2006.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Facade cleaning and repair
- Window replacement and refurbishing
- Stair reconstruction
- Chimney reconstruction
- Dome reconstruction
Facade Cleaning and Repair
The neoclassical stone facade of the First Church of Christ Scientist was cleaned and repaired -- removing accumulated surface grime and addressing areas of stone deterioration, crack damage, and mortar joint failure that had developed over more than a century of exposure. The cleaning revealed the original character of the stone and provided a clean substrate for masonry repairs performed to match the original in color and profile.
Window Replacement and Refurbishing
Windows throughout the building were replaced and refurbished, eliminating sources of water infiltration and drafts while restoring the appearance of the fenestration appropriate to the building's neoclassical character. On religious and historic structures, window restoration requires careful attention to proportions and profiles that define the building's architectural identity.
Stair, Chimney, and Dome Reconstruction
The exterior stairs, chimney, and dome each required reconstruction -- the most significant interventions in the project's scope. Stair reconstruction restored safe pedestrian access to the building's main entrance. Chimney reconstruction addressed structural deterioration that had progressed beyond repair. The dome reconstruction restored the defining element of the building's silhouette, which is visible from Central Park and defines the church's presence on this prominent Upper West Side block.
Graciano's Religious Property Experience
Throughout its history, Graciano Corporation has been actively involved in restoring and preserving religious properties. New York City's religious buildings represent some of the most architecturally significant and most technically demanding masonry restoration work available -- these structures typically feature ornate stone carving, complex roof forms, and masonry construction that requires both craft expertise and sensitivity to the building's significance. Related Graciano projects include the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, and Central Synagogue.
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 religious, civic, and institutional landmarks. The company is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise performing approximately 90% of all work in-house with its own skilled craftsmen.