The Wards Island Water Pollution Control Plant's Bronx and Manhattan Grit Chambers are central components of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) wastewater treatment operations. Constructed in the 1930s, the facility handles millions of gallons of sewage each day, 365 days a year. The Grit Chambers, housed in landmark masonry structures from the New Deal era, required both structural restoration and adaptation to changing environmental regulatory demands.
Graciano Corporation's responsibilities on the assignment included general masonry restoration, cleaning and repair, extensive reconstruction of parapets, resetting of coping materials, and replacement of several three-story windows. The project also included construction of several new structures, additions to existing facilities, and restoration of exterior and interior surfaces on the landmark buildings. Graciano worked alongside Frontier-Kemper Constructors, Hazen and Sawyer, Durr Mechanical Construction, and Perini Corporation on the broader program, with Malcolm Pirnie providing engineering services.
Scope of Work
Services Performed
- General masonry restoration, cleaning, and repair
- Parapet and coping reconstruction
- Resetting of coping materials
- Replacement of several three-story windows
- New brick construction on additions
- Individual brick replacement and brick facade rebuild
- Masonry cleaning and pressure washing
- Masonry surface rehabilitation
- Repointing masonry
- Unit stone replacement
- Lintel replacement
- Dutchman repair
- Stonework and stone patching
- Structural steel repair and replacement
- Terra cotta restoration
- Water control injections
- Deck coatings
- Concrete restoration
- Chemical and alkaline cleaning
- Paint removal
Restoration of the 1930s Grit Chambers
The Bronx and Manhattan Grit Chambers are substantial masonry structures built during the New Deal era, notable for the quality of their construction and the architectural character of their brick and stone facades. Decades of continuous operation in a demanding environment -- exposure to moisture, temperature cycling, and the corrosive atmosphere of a wastewater treatment facility -- had deteriorated the masonry at multiple locations. Graciano's crews performed a comprehensive survey followed by systematic repair, working to preserve the original fabric of these structures wherever possible while reinforcing areas where deterioration had advanced.
Parapet Reconstruction and Window Replacement
Among the most significant restoration tasks was the extensive reconstruction of parapets on multiple Grit Chamber structures. Deteriorated parapet walls were dismantled and rebuilt using brick matched to the original in color, texture, and bond pattern. Coping units, which cap the parapets and shed water away from the wall face, were reset with new flashing and sealant to restore watertight performance. Three-story windows in the landmark facades were replaced with units that maintain the scale and visual character of the originals while providing the performance required for an active industrial facility.
New Construction on a Public Works Assignment
In addition to restoration of the existing structures, the Phase I program included new brick construction for additions and support structures associated with facility upgrades. Graciano's new masonry work was executed to match the bond patterns and color palette of the surrounding historic buildings, ensuring that additions read as compatible with the 1930s original rather than as intrusions.
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 an extensive track record working for public agencies including the NYC DEP, transit authorities, and municipal owners. The company is a WBENC-certified Woman Business Enterprise performing approximately 90% of all work in-house with its own skilled journeymen.