183 Madison Ave
Project Statistics
Project Name: Façade Restoration and FISP Compliance at 183 Madison Avenue
Location: New York, NY
Client: Private Owner (Historic Commercial Property)
Completion Date: Ongoing (Phase 2 in progress, initial work began in 2019)
Service Type: Façade Inspection, Restoration & Repair
Industry/Building Type/Height: Commercial, Historic Landmark, 18 stories
Overview
183 Madison Avenue, also known as the Madison Belmont Building, is a New York City Landmark and a significant example of early 20th-century commercial architecture. Designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of Grand Central Terminal, the building was completed in 1925 to serve as showrooms for silk merchants, at the heart of Manhattan’s historic Silk District. In 1953, an 18th floor was added while maintaining the building’s neoclassical proportions and Art Deco styling.
This project is significant not only for the building’s architectural pedigree, which includes ironwork by Parisian artist Edgar Brandt, but also for the complexity of the restoration. CANY guided the client through multiple phases of work driven by urgent FISP requirements, financial constraints, and the need to protect intricate historic detailing. The work required a balance of technical problem-solving, financial planning, and design sensitivity to preserve the building’s unique façade.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
CANY conducted a hands-on FISP-compliant façade inspection, developed a phased restoration strategy, coordinated LPC and DOB filings and provided ongoing construction oversight. We also assisted the client in identifying a new contractor mid-project.
Scope of work
Comprehensive FISP inspections and UNSAFE filings
Phased restoration planning and execution
Contractor transition and coordination
Structural steel evaluation and reinforcement
Brick, terracotta, stucco and cast-iron restoration
Department of Buildings (DOB) and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
Advanced deterioration of decorative terracotta, spandrel panels, carved motifs, window pediments and masonry
Corrosion of embedded steel causing displacement of façade elements
Inconsistent prior repairs and mismatched materials
Capital management requiring phased execution
Mid-project contractor replacement and re-mobilization
CANY's solution
Developed a multi-year, phased restoration plan to support client re-financing and capital management
Assisted client in selecting and onboarding new contractor mid-project
Oversaw multiple color and material matching trials for brick, stucco and paint
Collaborated with in-house conservation specialists to meet LPC restoration standards
Provided engineering support to reinforce and repair steel at masonry corners and window heads
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Executed a phased plan that worked within the client’s financial strategy
Restored key architectural elements to match original detailing and color
Replaced deteriorated terracotta, brick, and stucco with custom-matched materials
Reinforced structural steel and preserved cast-iron window frames
Maintained FISP compliance and secured LPC approvals across both project phases
Building History
Conclusion
Phase One is complete, with historic masonry and terracotta elements restored and the structure stabilized. The building remains compliant under FISP as work continues, and the repairs and completed work blends beautifully with the building’s historic fabric while strengthening its structural integrity.
The project is now in its second phase, with the owner well-positioned to complete the remaining work with long-term confidence in the building’s safety and preservation. As this next phase progresses, we will focus on restoring the bulkhead terracotta cornice that crowns this landmark, bringing 183 Madison Avenue back to its original prominence.
