110 East 42nd St
Project Statistics
Project Name: Facade Repairs and Roof Replacement at 110 East 42nd Street
Location: New York City, NY
Client: Assume confidential (commercial owner)
Completion Date: 2024
Service Type: Historic Facade FISP Related Repairs and Roof Replacement
Industry/Building Type/Height: Commercial: Historic Landmark, 18 stories
Overview
Designed by York and Sawyer for the Bowery Saving Bank, 110 East 42nd Street was completed in 1923, with an addition in 1933. The Italian Romanesque Revival-style building, a NYC designated Landmark, stands prominently above the Grand Central subway station. While known for its grand banking hall, monumental carved archway and decorative carved stone elements CANY’s recent focus was on restoring its Cordova clay tile roof.
CANY has worked on multiple restoration campaigns at this historically significant building, providing crucial context for developing the roof replacement strategy. Decades of NYC’s freeze-thaw cycles had caused material deterioration, compromising structural integrity. CANY developed a comprehensive restoration strategy to stabilize and replace the roof, enhance durability, and integrate modern waterproofing systems while preserving its historic aesthetic in compliance with NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) regulations.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
To balance historic preservation with modern performance, CANY collaborated with Ludowici, a historic tile manufacturer, to match the original clay tiles and implemented a modern waterproofing and anchorage system tailored for New York’s climate.
Scope of work
Comprehensive Conditions Assessment - Detailed investigation of the Cordova curved clay tile roof, including both destructive and non-destructive testing.
Design and Development – Strategy formulation and construction documents for roofing replacement.
Bidding & Contractor Coordination - managing the selection process for specialist contractors.
Structural Reinforcement: Evaluation and enhancement of tile anchorage systems, reinforcement and selective replacement of underlying steel structural elements and review and coordination of the new roof anchorage design including modification of the supporting base and the overall roof pitch.
Restoration & Monitoring: Construction administration, site inspections, quality control, and project closeout.
Regulatory Compliance: Coordination with LPC; Department of Buildings (DOB) including an amended FISP report filing (formerly Local Law 11).
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
Preservation of historic aesthetic: the traditionally stacked curved clay tiles included multiple color variations from weathering and partial replacements over the years. Original copper waterproofing and end conditions required specialty replacements.
Severe deterioration: The original anchorage systems had failed, including a mortar bed and embedded copper wire lath and fastening wires.
Water infiltration: Long term water damage necessitated removal and replacement of portions of the concrete roof deck and steel reinforcement particularly at 18th-floor setback.
CANY's solution
Custom Material Matching: Partnered with Ludowici to source historically accurate clay tiles in six color variations to match the aged roof
Advanced Design & Testing: Engineered and tested a new anchorage system with copper flashings and updated fastening techniques for durability; modified roof pitch, installed lightweight wooden base frames instead of concrete, replaced deteriorated structural steel, concrete deck, and original cast iron plumbing
Modern Durability with Historical Aesthetics: Integrated modern waterproofing underlayment; designed custom end cap tiles to prevent compression breakage while replicating appearance of stacked tiles; fabricated new copper gutter replicating the original design.
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Preservation of Historic Integrity: Successfully matched and replicated original Cordova clay tiles to ensure historic authenticity; designed custom end cap tiles to replicate the traditional stacked tile aesthetics while preventing compression breakage; fabricated a new copper gutter system replicating the original semi-concealed design.
Structural Stability & Longevity: Integrated modern waterproofing to prevent future damage; replaced deteriorated structural steel, concrete roof deck, and original plumbing; installed lightweight wooden base frames instead of concrete to reduce structural loads and meet modern codes.
Enhanced Safety: Addressed risks posed by cracked tiles, deteriorated mortar, and corroded copper components; designed and tested an updated anchorage system for long-term structural stability; improved drainage and reinforced the roof against NYC’s freeze-thaw cycles to prevent future deterioration.
Compliance Success: Secured approvals from LPC and DOB, ensuring full compliance with FISP regulations.
Building History
Completed in 1923 for the Bowery Savings Bank, 110 East 42nd Street was designed by the esteemed firm York & Sawyer, masters of grand bank architecture that conveyed stability and trust—vital to financial institutions of the era. Their buildings, with classical columns and richly ornamented interiors, evoked ancient temples, reinforcing public confidence. A distinguished example of Beaux-Arts influence, the building features classical proportions, symmetry, and ornamentation. Yet, it is the simpler Cordova clay tile roof that became the focus of recent restoration efforts by CANY. The roof’s curved clay tiles, rooted in European craftsmanship, were said to be shaped on the thighs of Spanish artisans. Framed by the building’s monumental presence, this element underscores its dual identity—both a symbol of financial prosperity and human craftsmanship. The Bowery Savings Bank, once a cornerstone of New York’s financial world, drew millions of depositors—some seeking security, others tempted by embezzlement. Now repurposed as an event venue, restaurant, and condominium, 110 East 42nd Street remains a New York City Landmark. Its roof, integral to its architectural character, has been preserved as a testament to its storied past.
Conclusion
CANY successfully replaced the roof of 110 East 42nd Street, preserving its historic character while improving durability and structural integrity. Now fully waterproofed and reinforced, the building is prepared to withstand the next century. Through close collaboration with contractors, regulatory agencies, and the client, the project was completed with minimal disruption to daily operations. Beyond safeguarding a landmark, the work celebrates the architectural legacy, where the handcrafted craftsmanship meets monumental design—a testament to a bygone era that CANY has helped to sustain.