580 Fifth Avenue: Restoring The World Diamond Tower
Project Statistics
Project Name: Façade Restoration at 580 Fifth Avenue – The World Diamond Centre
Location: New York City, NY
Client: (Private Owner (Multigenerational Ownership)
Completion Date: Ongoing (Initial Repairs Completed, FISP SAFE Filing in process)
Service Type: Façade Inspection and Restoration
Industry/Building Type/Height/Units: Commercial, Historic Preservation, 1927 Landmark
Overview
Built in 1927 and designed by Warren and Wetmore, 580 Fifth Avenue—also known as The World Diamond Tower—has long been the centerpiece of New York’s diamond and jewelry trade. Originally serving as Bulova’s headquarters, the building even housed a rooftop observatory where mathematicians calibrated universal time based on the sun and stars.
Today, this historic skyscraper remains a crucial hub for the global jewelry industry. CANY was engaged to conduct a Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) assessment and oversee the necessary repairs to maintain the building’s structural integrity and compliance with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
To ensure compliance with FISP Cycle 9 and enhance the building's longevity, CANY:
Conducted a full façade assessment using ground surveys, high-resolution cameras, and Industrial Rope Access inspections.
Identified waterproofing failures, masonry deterioration, parapet displacement, and damaged terracotta spandrels - some posing safety risks.
Developed and implemented a repair strategy, including temporary safety measures such as a sidewalk shed.
Filed an initial SWARMP (Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program) report with the DOB and managed the transition to a SAFE filing.
Scope of work
Structural Assessment & Steel Repairs - Evaluated and reinforced underlying steel elements.
Terracotta Restoration - Repaired or replaced deteriorated spandrel panels, sills, and coping stones.
Masonry Repair & Replacement - Addressed failing brickwork, limestone, and stucco sections.
Parapet & Corner Rebuilding - Restored stability and compliance with DOB requirements.
Masonry Cleaning & Repointing - Improved durability and visual integrity of the facade
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
Aging Terracotta Panels - The large, ornate spandrel panels consisted of 18 smaller pieces, making in-kind replacement with terracotta prohibitively costly and time-intensive.
FISP Compliance Deadline - With only 18 months to complete repairs and file with the DOB, efficiency was critical.
Structural Deterioration - Corrosion in embedded steel elements compromised the integrity of terracotta and masonry.
CANY's solution
Innovative Material Selection - After evaluating multiple options, we replaced deteriorated terracotta panels with Glass-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), using 3D scanning technology to replicate the original design. This solution preserved the historic aesthetic while being significantly lighter, faster to install, and cost-effective at one-tenth of the price of traditional terracotta.
Efficient Project Coordination –aligned the contractor to meet the client's restoration goals, resulting in seamless execution.
Expedited Compliance & Documentation - Managed filings, inspections, and compliance procedures to meet the DOB's FISP deadline.
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Successful Transition from SWARMP to SAFE Filing - Achieved compliance with no penalties.
Cost-Effective & Historically Accurate Restoration - The use of GFRP panels provided a durable, visually identical alternative to terracotta while drastically reducing costs.
On-Time, On-Budget Completion - Strong collaboration between CANY, the client, and contractors led to a timely and efficient project delivery.
Future Engagement Pleased with the results, the client has retained CANY and the contractor for the upcoming roof replacement project.
Building History
Designed in 1927 by Warren & Wetmore, the architects behind Grand Central Terminal, 580 Fifth Avenue reflects New York City's early 20th-century commercial elegance. Masters of the Beaux-Arts style, Whitney Warren and Charles D. Wetmore designed with a sense of grandeur, blending classical European influences with the demands of a rapidly modernizing city.
Originally commissioned as a commercial office building, 580 Fifth Avenue embodied sophistication and stability. Its symmetrical façade, decorative masonry, and refined proportions showcase Warren & Wetmore’s signature mix of ornamentation and restraint.
In its early years, the building served as the headquarters for Bulova Watch Company, underscoring its connection to precision craftsmanship with a rooftop observatory used to measure universal time by the stars. By the mid-20th century, 580 Fifth Avenue had evolved into the heart of New York’s diamond and jewelry trade, solidifying its reputation as The World Diamond Tower. CANY is proud to have contributed to the restoration of this enduring symbol of architectural ambition.
Conclusion
The World Diamond Tower has played a pivotal role in New York’s skyline and the evolution of timekeeping. CANY’s restoration efforts ensure that this architectural landmark remains structurally sound and visually stunning for future generations. We’re proud to have played a role in restoring a historic gem of the city’s Diamond District.
