The James A. Farley Building is a landmark Beaux-Arts structure completed in 1914, designed by McKim, Mead and White. It served as the main United States Post Office for New York City for most of the 20th century and is a New York City landmark. In recent years the building was converted to serve as Moynihan Train Hall, expanding Pennsylvania Station's capacity and transforming the historic postal building into a major transit hub. The exterior retains its monumental colonnade and classical facade, requiring expert masonry restoration to preserve its integrity.
Graciano Corporation performed masonry restoration at Moynihan Train Hall as part of the broader renovation program. With a contract value of $21.9 million, this is one of the largest masonry restoration commissions in Graciano's history and reflects the company's established capability in large-scale landmark work in New York City.
The Building
The James A. Farley Building is distinguished by its Corinthian colonnade stretching along Eighth Avenue, one of the longest classical colonnades in the United States. The facade is clad in granite, with detailed classical ornament throughout. A century of exposure to New York City's urban environment required comprehensive attention to masonry joints, stone surfaces, and architectural details before the building could meet the demands of its new transit function.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Masonry restoration of the exterior granite and stone facade
- Repointing of masonry joints throughout the building envelope
- Stone cleaning and surface restoration
- Repair and replacement of deteriorated stone elements
- Caulking and sealant work at facade transitions
- Restoration of ornamental masonry features
Landmark-Scale Urban Logistics
The Farley Building sits in one of Midtown Manhattan's busiest corridors, adjacent to Madison Square Garden and the active Penn Station complex. Graciano managed scaffolding, material staging, and construction sequencing in a continuously active environment, coordinating with the project team to maintain safe pedestrian access and minimize disruption throughout the program.
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, and approximately 90% of all labor self-performed, Graciano has the depth and geographic reach to manage landmark-scale programs from assessment through completion. Graciano is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise.