Trinity Center Cornice Restoration: 111 115 Broadway
Project Statistics
Project Name: Cornice Restoration at Trinity Center, 111 & 115 Broadway
Location: New York, NY
Client: Capital Properties (real estate investment firm)
Completion Date: 2017
Service Type: Cornice Restoration, Façade Inspection (FISP)
Industry/Building Type/Height/Units: Commercial, Historic Preservation
Overview
CANY was retained as the façade consultant for the restoration of the landmarked copper cornices at Trinity Center, a pair of American Commercial Gothic towers located at 111 and 115 Broadway. The project stemmed from a 2015 FISP (Façade Inspection & Safety Program) cycle, formerly known as Local Law 11, during which CANY identified significant deterioration of the decorative cornices.
Designed by architect Francis Kimball and completed in the early 20th century, the buildings are adorned with elaborate copper ornamentation across six façades, including griffins and grotesques. CANY’s investigation and targeted probes revealed structural flaws, prompting a comprehensive and conservation-led restoration.
CANY's Involvement
Services provided
CANY led a full restoration campaign focused on the building’s signature Gothic copper cornices. Over time, the mythical griffins and grotesques had deteriorated—some loosened from their anchors, others visibly damaged, including one griffin whose entire breast had been destroyed by nesting birds. CANY’s goal was to repair, restore, and, where necessary, replicate these iconic elements, reinstating the visual and structural integrity of the landmark façades.
Scope of work
Probes and condition assessment of the cornices and internal armatures
Preparation of construction documents
Full-height pipe scaffolding to access all six cornice-bearing façades
Coordination with ownership, general and specialist contractors
Oversight of restoration including structural steel repairs, deck replacement, copper patching, and sculptural replication
Waterproofing replacement above cornice to protect repaired structure and armature supporting the cornice
Our approach and solutions provided
Main challenges
The cornices had experienced decades of deterioration. Key issues included:
Open seams and failed solder joints
Corroded ferrous internal armatures
Structural degradation, collapsed masonry slabs and broken support straps
Bird-related damage and blocked drainage
Design shortcomings like a lack of expansion joints and poor drainage design
Compromised waterproofing with vegetation growth
CANY's solution
Installed 185 new stainless-steel armatures
Repaired and replaced cornice support framing
Conducted pre-construction mock-ups to test repair strategies
Completed over 1,100 rivet repairs using “hot” (solder patch) and “cold” (disk patch) methods
Introduced 32 expansion joints and new weep holes to improve drainage
Fabricated and installed 18 replica gargoyles and 4 replica griffins
Soldered and sealed open seams, along with bird deterrent measures
Installed new waterproofing to protect cornice roof
Project Achievements
Key outcomes
Restored architectural integrity and appearance of historic cornice
Significantly Improved durability and life safety.
Resolved long-term water infiltration issues,
Addressed original construction flaws
Extended the service life of the cornices by an estimated 50 years.
Building History
The Trinity Center buildings were designed by Francis Kimball, a key figure in the rise of New York’s early skyscrapers. His work was heavily influenced by Gothic architecture, particularly after traveling to England, where he studied medieval and collegiate buildings. These experiences shaped the American Commercial Gothic style that defines Trinity Center.
Completed in 1905 (111 Broadway) and 1907 (115 Broadway), the towers display Gothic Revival elements, pointed arches, tracery, and ornamental copperwork, blended with modern steel-frame construction. They also reflect the American Collegiate Gothic tradition, linking their aesthetic to English academic architecture.
Built for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, both buildings were designated New York City Landmarks in 1988. The defining copper cornices span 741 feet across six façades, embellished with 100 grotesques and 10 griffins, showcasing Kimball’s attention to detail and turn-of-the-century craftsmanship.
Conclusion
CANY’s integrated approach, combining materials expertise, structural assessment, and hands-on collaboration with specialty contractors, was key to delivering lasting, respectful restoration. Clear communication and an emphasis on both form and function helped return these buildings to their rightful prominence
