Architectural Preservation Studio, DPC

Rutherford, NJ

Dedicated on May 31, 1920, the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument is a tribute to the men of Rutherford who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Architectural Preservation Studio was retained as a sub-consultant to the Borough Engineer to prepare a comprehensive evaluation followed by a restoration/conservation plan for this World War I monument. Through on-site observations, historical research and laboratory testing, we verified existing conditions and pathology of deterioration within the historic monument. Our goal was to provide a strategy for a holistic intervention that complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, as well as in-keeping with the artist’s original intent. We also prepared the successful National Register nomination for the property. The project continues to be implemented in phases,

The cast-stone memorial column is adorned with statuary bronze, including two tablets at the monument’s base. Atop the base are six eagles with interlinking garlands. Crowning the shaft is a bronze quadruped completed with a glass light fixture resembling a torch flame. Additional lighting fixtures were once installed behind each eagle; however, none of these fixtures remain today. Architectural Preservation Studio designed and oversaw the refurbishment of the existing lighting fixtures, including the torch flame and the recessed fixtures in the base at the eagles. In addition, our staff with WASA electrical engineering designed the street-side lighting.

The cast stone was friable, displaying delaminations and vertical cracking, with some areas having complete loss of material. It was patched with a modified-concrete repair mortar with aggregate to replicate the existing texture and color. The cast stone was cleaned and treated with a clear water repellent. There was atmospheric staining, copper staining, biological growth, and calcium-carbonate deposits. Laser-cleaning was used to clean the bronze and cast stone. Restoration of paving and drainage system is also planned. Architectural Preservation Studio assisted with the preservation of items in the time capsule stored in the base of the monument as well.

Sea Cliff, NY

Architectural Preservation Studio (APS) designed and administered the restoration of the steel-casement windows at the two-story firehouse located in Sea Cliff, Long Island. The building was completed in 1931 in Tudor Revival style and is listed locally and is also on the NYS and National Register of Historic Places.

APS began with a survey of the 94 steel-casement windows, which ranged from good-to-poor condition. However, the survey identified deflected steel lintels and associated masonry distress in the surrounding brickwork. As a result, the project was expanded to include lintel replacement and repair, and localized brickwork rebuilding. The project was funded through two grants provided by NYS OPRHP (Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation) and DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York).

The window-by-window survey identified eight different types of windows, their condition and the functionality of their hardware, which was detailed in the Construction Documents in a Window Schedule. Work had to be clearly delineated between the two funding sources. APS also administered construction. In addition, APS will be designing and administering the replacement of the slate roof.

Chappaqua, NY

Architectural Preservation Studio designed and supervised the restoration of the Chappaqua Railroad Station in northern Westchester County. The station was built in 1901–2 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The condition of the station had deteriorated over the course of 100 years. In addition, it had undergone various renovations that had modified or removed some of its original materials and altered its character.

The goal was to restore the station to its original appearance based upon the original Reed & Stem drawings (Architectural Preservation Studio’s predecessor firm), while also upgrading its systems to today’s standards. Work involved all exterior masonry, roofs, gutters, windows, flashing and drainage systems, structural systems, interior finishes and hardware, mechanical and electrical systems, lighting fixtures, ticket-booth systems, ADA compliance and hazardous materials identification and abatement.

The Town of New Castle was so pleased with the results that Architectural Preservation Studio was hired to design streetscape lighting for the historic village.

Chappaqua, NY

Architectural Preservation Studio designed and supervised the restoration of the Chappaqua Railroad Station in northern Westchester County. The station was built in 1901–2 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The condition of the station had deteriorated over the course of 100 years. In addition, it had undergone various renovations that had modified or removed some of its original materials and altered its character.

The goal was to restore the station to its original appearance based upon the original Reed & Stem drawings (Architectural Preservation Studio’s predecessor firm), while also upgrading its systems to today’s standards. Work involved all exterior masonry, roofs, gutters, windows, flashing and drainage systems, structural systems, interior finishes and hardware, mechanical and electrical systems, lighting fixtures, ticket-booth systems, ADA compliance and hazardous materials identification and abatement.

The Town of New Castle was so pleased with the results that Architectural Preservation Studio was hired to design streetscape lighting for the historic village.

New London, CT

APS was retained by the City of New London to develop a comprehensive conditions assessment for the preservation and maintenance of the New London City Hall. Built in 1856 and renovated in 1912, the New London City Hall is a significant Beaux Arts-era structure with a stone façade articulated by a Corinthian-columned two-story portico and a decorative projecting cornice and balustrade. The building is on the National Register for Historic Places and still maintains a high level of exterior and interior integrity.

The conditions assessment evaluated moisture infiltration through the exterior; cracks in the stone structure and condition of mortar joints, as well as non-matching repairs; repairs to deteriorated and or damaged interior surfaces and architectural features; HVAC and electrical systems, including the future installation of a split system; ADA accessibility, vertical transportation and toilet rooms. The project also involved the identification of hazardous materials (lead-based paint and asbestos), along with appropriate mitigation, background drawings in AutoCAD format, detailed recommendations and cost estimates. All recommended work and upgrades comply with all federal, state and local building codes. APS developed construction documents for the complete restoration of the exterior and interior of the building, including relocation of the existing elevator. The project is currently being bid.

Norwich, CT

The professional staff of Architectural Preservation Studio, under WASA, prepared a detailed Conditions Assessment /Comprehensive Preservation Master Plan for the restoration of the 1873 French Empire City Hall. The scope includes the preservation of the building’s historic features, space analysis and programming, ADA accessibility, and upgrade of its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The Norwich City Hall is listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The assessment was partially funded by a grant from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. 

Architectural Preservation Studio’s recent work involves the preparation of construction documents and construction administration services for the restoration of the original wood flooring and south-vestibule historic finishes.

Westport, CT

Westport Town Hall was constructed by the Town of Westport as the Bedford Public School after 1917 and had additions added in 1929. The building served as an elementary school until it was converted for the use of the Westport Town Hall from 1978 to 1979. It is included in the Westport Center Historic District as a contributing structure.

The project consists of preparing a Conditions Assessment Report, Restoration Plan, and oversight of the construction phase for the repair of the portico, pilasters, columns, and pediment The scope of the project includes restoration of six monumental wood columns, column bases, column capitals, two pilasters, the coffered ceiling of the portico itself, and the pediment over the portico.

Cumberland, RI

The historic Cumberland Town Hall is located in the town center in Cumberland, RI. It was built in 1894 and designed by the Rhode Island architect William R. Walker. The three-story structure is constructed of red brick and terra-cotta trim with a tall hip roof and a square three-story clock tower with a cupola-style roof centered above the street façade. The building is a key historic resource and focal point of the town, and an excellent example of Colonial-style architecture. The Town Hall is within the local historic district and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

APS prepared a comprehensive architectural conditions assessment of the Town Hall addressing pressing preservation, functional, maintenance, and code issues. The project is funded by a federal Certified Local Government Grant from the National Park Service, U. S. Department of the Interior, administered by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC).

Ware, MA

The historic Ware Town Hall is located in the town center in Ware, MA. It was built in 1885 and designed by the architectural firm of Hartwell and Richardson. It is constructed of red brick and red sandstone accented by a tall hip roof and a square clock tower with a pyramidal roof at one corner of the building. Typical of Richardson’s designs, there is a large round-arched opening at the center of the Main Street façade in which the main entrance is recessed. The building is a key historic resource and focal point of the town and an excellent example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The building was enlarged in 1904 by Richardson and again in 1935 by local architect Thomas Madigan with a stylistically sensitive addition. The Town Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

APS prepared a comprehensive conditions assessment of the Town Hall, and will be providing design services to address pressing preservation, functional, maintenance and code issues. A portion of the project is funded through a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

East Greenwich, RI

Also known historically known as the Kent County Courthouse, the East Greenwich Town Hall was constructed from 1805-1806. For many years, the Rhode Island General Assembly met on a rotating schedule in five principal county seats, this building being one. The building is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

APS was retained by the Town of East Greenwich to prepare Construction Documents for the replacement of the slate roofing and associated flashing, repair of the damaged structure, and restoration of the wood balustrade at the East Greenwich Town Hall. The Town Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as on the Rhode Island State Register. The project completed in the Fall of 2019.

New Canaan, CT

Constructed in 1859 Vine Cottage occupies an important and strategic location in New Canaan. It is situated adjacent to the Town Hall, directly across from the Fire Station and on one corner of the Historic District. Although not included in the district, it visually marks the transition from the business zone to the historic residential area of the town.  The Victorian style house is currently used for the Town’s Social Services Office.

APS was retained by New Canaan’s Department of Public Works to provide design services for the restoration of the buildings facades and windows, to provide a new ADA compliant ramp to the main used entrance of the building, to restore the front porch to its original design and to upgrade interior finishes.  Construction documents were developed and bid and the Town is now appropriating the funds to execute the work.

New Canaan, CT

APS was retained by New Canaan’s Department of Public Works to provide design services for the preparation of construction documents for the design of an OSHA compliant fall protection system for the existing hose drying tower at the New Canaan Fire House

New London, CT

Architectural Preservation Studio (APS) was retained by the City of New London to perform a comprehensive Conditions Assessment of the New London Firehouse Headquarters Building. The primary focus of this study is to provide the City with a comprehensive assessment of the existing conditions of the exterior/interior, MEP systems and structural condition of the floor settlement issue at the fire engine bays of the firehouse.  Based upon this assessment both recommendations and cost estimates for the necessary repair of this historic structure will be provided.

Wethersfield, CT

Architectural Preservation Studio (APS) was retained by the Town of Wethersfield to prepare Construction Documents for the replacement of the slate and built-up roofing at the 1880’s historic Stillman Building, originally the Wethersfield Public School. The building is located within the Wethersfield Historic District.

New London, CT

APS was retained by the City of New London to develop Operational Space Layouts (OSL) for the relocation of City offices/departments to the New London US Postal Service Building located at 27 Masonic Street. This project consisted of a two-phase relocation process. The first phase was to temporarily relocate the current offices/departments located in City Hall during the upcoming restoration project as well as any other additional offices/departments that can also fit in the USPS building at that time. The second phase will be to relocate all of the remaining departments that can fit in the USPS building once the City Hall offices/departments move back into City Hall