220 East 42nd
Project Statistics
Project Name: Facade Restoration at 220 East 42 Street
Location: New York, NY
Client: SL Green
Completion Date: Ongoing (Initial engagement: 2010; current restoration phase through 2027)
Service Type: Façade Inspection, Historic Restoration, Roofing, Leak Investigation
Industry/Building Type/Height/Units: Commercial/ Landmark/ High-Rise Tower (37 stories, 476 ft)
Overview
Completed in 1930, 220 East 42nd Street—formerly the Daily News Building—is one of New York City’s most recognizable Art Deco towers. Now designated both a New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, the building is known for its architectural distinction and its pop culture presence as the “Daily Planet” in Superman.
CANY has served as building enclosure consultant to the property for over a decade, supporting this historic structure through multiple inspection cycles, targeted maintenance efforts, and long-term restoration planning. Our technical oversight and familiarity with the building’s materials, conditions, and regulatory context continue to support its preservation and performance.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
CANY has served as building enclosure consultant to the property for over a decade, supporting this historic structure through multiple inspection cycles, targeted maintenance efforts, and long-term restoration planning. Our technical oversight and familiarity with the building’s materials, conditions, and regulatory context continue to support its preservation and performance.
Scope of work
CANY has provided inspection, investigation, and restoration services at 220 East 42nd Street for over a decade. Our work has included:
Industrial Rope Access condition surveys
FISP inspections and filings
Preparation of Construction Documents
Comprehensive façade assessments and component replacement including, but not limited to:
multicolor and glazed brick replacement and mortar repointing
limestone coping repairs and replacement
granite panel repairs and replacement
window refurbishment, slate windowsill repairs and replacement
steel lintel and shelf angle replacement
railing installation
structural steel repairs at tower roof
Roofing replacement and waterproofing design
Leak investigation and repairs (WPIX Space)
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
The façade combines materials with differing deterioration profiles - brick, limestone, granite, steel, and slate – all nearing a century in age. Failures in embedded steel, active water infiltration, and modern code compliance requirements have added layers of complexity to preservation work. All repairs are subject to Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) review, with approvals required for mockups, samples, and shop drawings before work may proceed.
CANY's solution
CANY developed and manages a phased exterior restoration plan that balance preservation goals with current performance standards:
Brick masonry repairs, repointing, and selective replacement
Limestone coping repair and replacement, including cross-joint sealant replacement
Granite cladding restoration: panel replacement, crack repair, patch repair, and repointing
Steel lintel and shelf angle replacement, including rusted lintel replacement
Structural steel repairs at tower roof
Window system upgrades: full replacements, louver repair, slate sill replacement, perimeter sealant replacement
Installation of new metal flashing assemblies at critical transitions to prevent water infiltration to protect vulnerable façade elements
Parapet and setback railing upgrades and replacements to meet current code-compliance
Waterproofing upgrades: including lintel flashing, copper flashing rehabilitation at parapets, sealant replacement, and targeted leak remediation
Restoration of historic features: flagpole base repairs and cast-iron coating and sealant replacement
Protective coatings, including a new brick coating system to improve durability and appearance
CANY has collaborated closely with ownership and LPC to ensure that all repairs are in-kind and visually consistent with original detailing. Our role spans design documentation, preparation of construction documents including drawings, specifications, and bid form, contractor coordination, material mockups for LPC approval, construction contract administration, submittal and shop drawings review, construction progress monitoring and tracking, field quality control throughout each project phase, and project close-out and sign-off administration services.
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Repaired and replaced deteriorated brick, stone, and steel components while maintaining original detailing
Upgraded parapet and setback railing systems to meet modern code requirements
Improved façade durability and energy performance through new flashing and sealant systems
Secured all LPC approvals following rigorous review of shop drawings, mock-ups and materials
A multi-year, full-envelope restoration plan currently underway, with a projected budget of approximately $12 million, reflecting the scope, complexity, and commitment required to preserve this landmark building.
Building History
Completed in 1930, 220 East 42nd Street stands as a defining example of Art Deco architecture in Midtown Manhattan. Designed by Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells as the headquarters of the New York Daily News, the building’s streamlined façade of white glazed brick, multi-colored bricks , limestone, and granite is emblematic of the period’s vertical style.
The structure became a New York City Landmark in 1982 and was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is well-known in popular culture for its appearance as the “Daily Planet” in the Superman films and television series.
The building’s interior is equally iconic, featuring a 12-foot rotating globe at the center of the lobby. Recessed into the black marble floor and framed in chrome and glass, the display includes illuminated panels showing time zones, weather patterns, and distances between global cities—capturing the scientific optimism of the era.
Today, 220 East 42nd Street functions as a commercial office tower while remaining a vital piece of New York’s architectural heritage. CANY’s long-standing involvement reflects our commitment to helping landmark buildings meet modern expectations while preserving their historic identity.
Conclusion
The ongoing restoration of 220 East 42nd Street reflects the trust placed in CANY to steward one of New York City’s most iconic buildings. Through careful planning, technical rigor, and close coordination with regulatory agencies, we’re helping to safeguard the building’s historic character while ensuring it remains functional, safe, and visually compelling for years to come.
