215 Park Ave South
Project Statistics
Project Name: 215 Park Avenue South
Location: New York, City, NY
Client: Private Commercial Property Owner
Completion Date: Phase one began in 2021, completed 2024
Service Type: Historic Façade Restoration, Conservation and Repair
Industry/Building Type/Height: Commercial Office, Historic Loft Building, 20 stories high
Overview
Built in 1914, 215 Park Avenue South showcases early 20th-century loft architecture with its practical, open design. Architects Maynicke & Franke created this steel-framed building with large windows and tall ceilings to flood working areas with light. The building features simple, utilitarian façades with terracotta cladding and a handsome copper cornice on top, reflecting the period’s shift to more functional design.
Though changed and patched-up over the years, the building kept much of its original materials, offering a rare opportunity for us to restore it with care and respect for its history, while repairing deteriorated areas.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
CANY adapted repair strategies to suit the wide-ranging conditions across the façade, addressing deterioration at masonry, terracotta, stone, and the copper cornice elements, underlying structural steel, and the fire escape. On the 17th floor, most of the original terracotta water-table was replaced with new Microcotta units, chosen for their compatibility with the original material and modern manufacturability. The supporting steel at this location was fully replaced.
At the monumental copper cornice, extensive work included the removal and reinstallation of fascia to access and restore the steel framework. A 30-foot section of deteriorated painted aluminum was replaced with new sheet copper, left untreated to naturally patinate and blend with the existing finish.
The cornice’s distinctive two-foot-tall lion head ornaments were also addressed. Missing units were reproduced by a sculptor in California, and damaged ones were restored, returning the cornice to its original appearance.
At the main entrance, the deteriorated temporary header was replaced with a new cast stone and GFRC surround, custom-fabricated to match the original limestone’s proportions and detailing.
Scope of work
Phased restoration and conservation of all masonry, terracotta, stone, and the historic copper cornice
Sculptural replication and restoration of cornice lion heads, and fascia, and terracotta water-table, and windowsill units
Stone repairs and brick replacement as needed
Demolition and reconstruction of historic masonry chimney to meet code
On-site guidance from CANY conservation specialists
Structural steel repairs and reinforcement at terracotta and roof spandrel areas
Full fire escape survey, paint removal, coating, and localized repairs
Design of new main entrance surround in cast stone and GFRC
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
Widely varied deterioration across façades, cornice, and fire escape required flexible, site-specific repairs
Severely corroded structural steel uncovered during construction prompted interior shoring and full spandrel beam replacement
Supported scaffolding was required at street-facing façades for full cornice and water table access; needle beam scaffolding used on a rear façade with limited roof capacity
Chimney reconstruction was coordinated around heating/cooling seasons
Copper cornice fascia needed multiple repair strategies depending on hole size and severity
New internal structural supports installed at the cornice, including stabilization of original terracotta decking
Missing/damaged decorative features (e.g., lion heads, terracotta) needed sculptural replication
Fire escape repairs were phased to maintain continuous tenant access
Main entrance work was staged to remain open throughout construction
CANY's solution
Developed a multi-phased plan based on urgency, in coordination with FISP filings across two cycles
Utilized a mix of compatible materials—cast stone, GFRC, Microcotta, copper, steel—based on context and conditions
Used varied access methods: supported and suspended scaffolds, industrial rope access
Collaborated with internal and third-party engineers on shoring and steel design
Coordinated chimney demolition and rebuild with mechanical engineers
Selected untreated copper for cornice replacement to match aged patina over time
Worked with a sculptor to recreate missing lion heads and restore originals
Phased fire escape inspections and repairs for minimal corrosion exposure and efficient priming after paint removal
Designed shoring and a historically compatible new header for the entrance based on original storefront proportions
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Restored and preserved historic terracotta, stone, and copper elements while improving long-term durability
Maintained visual authenticity with new materials weathering to blend naturally over time
Reinstated sculptural ornamentation and introduced new historically sensitive main entrance
Delivered a multi-year, phased restoration that met budget constraints and upheld high conservation standards
Building History
215 Park Avenue South came from the drawing boards of Maynicke & Franke, architects who helped shape New York’s early commercial landscape. Their work reflected the shift from ornate Victorian styles to more functional forms, driven by advances in steel construction and the need for light-filled workspaces.
Completed in 1914, this building embraced the loft model with open floor plans, large windows, and understated exterior details. Its copper cornice, though simple, adds an elegant finishing touch, graceful yet practical. Over the years, small repairs changed its appearance, but enough original material remained to make careful restoration possible. The building’s copper cornice with unique lion head ornaments combine playfulness with authority. Now restored, they once again watch over Park Avenue South.
CANY restored the historic façade and copper cornice at 215 Park Avenue South, combining sculptural repair, structural upgrades, and long-term conservation.
Conclusion
CANY approached the restoration of 215 Park Avenue South with care and restraint, always guided by the building’s original character. By responding to the unique needs of each element and spacing work to suit the client’s timeline and budget, we preserved key historic features while improving the building’s long-term performance. The result is a carefully restored façade that is historically grounded, structurally sound and ready to endure another century.
