Wagner College's Main Hall is Wagner's signature building and a splendid example of collegiate architecture in the Collegiate Gothic tradition. Designed by architect George W. Conable, construction began in June 1928 and the building was completed on February 28, 1930. Over its history, Main Hall has served as classroom space, offices, a library, and a cafeteria -- and during World War II, its roof served as a harbor lookout point for the Civil Air Patrol Squadron made up of Wagner's faculty and students.
By 2013, the 1929 precast structure required extensive masonry and parapet restoration. Graciano craftsmen completed a comprehensive program that went well beyond the scope originally anticipated, when hands-on examination revealed that the cast stone trim window walls required more extensive repair than the restoration documents had called for.
"Wagner College's Main Hall is one of the great architectural icons on Staten Island. The work benefits thousands of students and allows Main Hall to continue to stand as a symbol of the tradition and excellence of Wagner College for generations to come."-- Borough President James Molinaro
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- Masonry and parapet restoration throughout the building exterior
- Dismantling and rebuilding of Gothic-style turrets flanking the entrance to below the rooflines
- Complete replacement of the dome and the entire north clock face wall and structure
- Installation of new GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) copings
- Replication and installation of ornate GFRP bay windows
- Cast stone repair and new cast stone installation matched to original
- Additional brick and stone repointing
- Crack repair and masonry surface rehabilitation
- Individual brick replacement with architecturally correct blend
- Steel lintel replacement
- Coatings applied to cast stone features for protection
- Exterior cleaning
Gothic Turret Rebuilding and Dome Replacement
The most significant elements of the project were the rebuilding of the Collegiate Gothic turrets flanking Main Hall's main entrance and the replacement of the dome. Both turrets were dismantled to below the roofline and rebuilt, restoring the Gothic profile that defines the building's silhouette. The dome and the entire north clock face wall and structure were replaced -- a substantial intervention requiring careful coordination to maintain the building's architectural character while bringing the masonry back to structural soundness. The Graciano team replaced the dome and completed this work on schedule, with only intermittent and precautionary interruptions of Main Hall classroom and office activities.
GFRP Copings and Bay Windows
The original assignment called for restoration, waterproofing, and installation of new GFRP copings and replication of ornate GFRP bay windows. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer is used on historic buildings where the original material has deteriorated beyond repair and where casting new stone would be prohibitively expensive -- GFRP can replicate complex profiles and ornamental detail while providing excellent weathering resistance. Graciano installed new GFRP copings throughout and fabricated and installed GFRP bay windows replicating the originals in profile and finish.
Cast Stone Repair and Brick Replacement
When Graciano craftsmen got hands on the building, they found the cast-stone-trimmed window walls required significantly more repair than the restoration documents had specified. Additional pointing of brick and stone was performed, cracks were repaired, new cast stone was installed, and brick was replaced with an architecturally correct blend matched to the original in color and texture. Steel lintels were replaced and protective coatings applied to cast stone features to prevent future deterioration.
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 collegiate, civic, 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.