NEW YORK LIFE BUILDING

location | Midtown, New York

date | Spring 2023

office | WJE, Engineers and Architects

recognition | Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award

At the New York Life Insurance Building, the restoration team faced the challenge of preserving an iconic neo-Gothic landmark towering over 600 feet in Manhattan’s skyline. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the structure features a unique eight-sided pyramid roof clad in gold-leafed clay tiles. A comprehensive restoration program addressed critical repairs, including an extensive facade inspection to evaluate the structural integrity of the roof and limestone-clad masonry.

The project, recognized with a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, prioritized public safety by reinforcing tile adhesion and ensuring resilience against future storms. In my role as the project’s construction administrator, I conducted detailed inspections on seven of the roof’s eight faces, coordinating with contractors to implement precise, high-altitude repairs. Through these close-up evaluations, I assessed material vulnerabilities, from historic limestone degradation in the mass masonry walls to the tile anchoring methods. The project taught invaluable lessons in durability and craftsmanship, as well as the intricacies of maintaining architectural heritage within the dynamic New York City skyline.