St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church stands proudly as one of New York’s noteworthy historical, architectural, and cultural landmarks. Restoring the great Dome of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church is no small feat, given the intricacy of its design and architecture. The complexity of the task demands experienced and meticulous workmanship, making Graciano an ideal choice for the project.
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Bertram Goodhue is a well-known figure in American architecture, particularly renowned for his expertise in ecclesiastical structures. One of the grand features of St. Barts, envisioned by Goodhue, was the great Dome. This grand Dome, a remarkable part of the church, sits atop a square base integrated with the church’s structure.
Our team knew restoring the 100-year-old St. Bart’s Dome would be very challenging, especially knowing the project’s scope, which needed to dismantle and rebuild the whole Dome and complete every task in compliance with the demanding historical specifications. The Dome has eight exterior planes decorated with colored marble, terra cotta, and granite tile and crowned with a gilded cross.
Our team started with a survey, which required our team to rappel down and across to take measurements and samples of the exterior. Based on our careful survey, we devise a customized strategy that utilizes the latest technology and traditional craftsmanship.
Our process included removing and replacing over 6300 terra cotta tiles, installing steel-reinforced waterproof mortar, recreating the original mosaic tile patterns, and replacing the cementitious and waterproof surface underlayment. We also selected the masonry stone and terra cotta tile roof repairs and replacements.
Restoration plays a vital role in safeguarding history and cultural identity, often manifested in the intricate architecture of buildings and landmarks. These structures bring with them treasures from the past–stories of bygone cultures, their lifestyle, and the craftsmanship evident in the design intricacies and construction techniques. Restoring these buildings helps maintain a tangible link between the past and the present, ensuring that the rich history endures for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.