Cooper Hewitt
Location
New York, NY
Services
Materials
Brick
Stone
Metal
Glass
Wood
Plaster
Awards
2016 New York Landmarks Conservancy Lucy G. Moses Award
The Smithsonian Intuition’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum underwent a complete renovation including restoration in addition to gallery and infrastructure improvements. The Museum is housed in the former home of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie with some functions housed in adjacent buildings. The Carnegie Mansion was designed by Babb, Cook and Willard in Georgian style with Beaux Arts detailing and was completed in 1903. The exterior is brick and limestone on a rusticated granite base. The interior is composed of 64 rooms. The mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and designated as an individual New York City Landmark in 1974.
JBC worked with the contractor and the Smithsonian to complete a full conditions assessment, laboratory materials analysis, in-situ materials testing, and treatment recommendations for all historic materials including masonry, bronze, cast iron, glass, wood, plaster, Caen stone, decorative paint and wall coverings. JBC monitored and reviewed the work through construction.
JBC has been involved in several phases of work at the Cooper Hewitt including, the restoration of the exterior masonry and interior finishes of the Carnegie Mansion, restoration of the bronze entrance canopy, an investigation of the conditions and performance of the projecting copper bays of the associated Miller-Fox Houses, restoration of the historic granite paving around the site, rehabilitation of the garden, restoration of the conservatory laylight and pergola, and upgrades to the boiler and chiller in the Carnegie Mansion.
Restored south facade. (Image Credit: Cooper-Hewitt)
Bronze entrance canopy.
Restored grand stair.
Restored hallway.
Restored carved teak woodwork.
Restored room.
Conservatory laylight.
Water misting of stone parapet.
Conditions assessment of south facade.
Salvaged wallpaper sample.