By Claudie Benjamin
It’s not simple to clean and repair a building facade. That’s particularly true for an elaborate structure like the 1902 Dorilton condo on 71st Street. For over a year, the ornate Beaux Arts treasure has been swathed in protective netting. Once the shroud is removed, Upper West Siders will find not only a cleaner surface but also a repaired one as it undergoes fixes to any damage since the landmark’s 1988 restoration.
The huge job is being undertaken by Nova Construction Services, a Brooklyn-based firm. Pawel Grzybowski is the project manager. “I’ve been in the construction industry for over 20 years, with 17 of those years spent at Nova Construction Services. I started as a helper and worked my way up to mason, foreman, assistant project manager, and now project manager. My growth, both professionally and personally, comes from hands-on experience in every role. I’m proud to work for a company that provides me with the tools and opportunities for development.”
Asked about Nova’s history with the Dorilton, Pawel said, “This isn’t the first time we’ve worked on The Dorilton. In 1998, under the leadership of Andrzej Janczyk, the father of our current co-principal, Eric Janczyk, we completed previous restoration work. It’s a great feeling to return to the same building years later, on that knowledge and continue to improve a project we’re familiar with. This is the first time Nova has been tasked with cleaning the building.”
Why is cleaning and repair needed? Wind, rain, dust, and pollution all contribute to damage to building surfaces and ornamentation. In New York, buildings are exposed to both natural elements, such as weather, and human-made stressors, like pollution. Materials like limestone are more prone to wear, but protective coatings and sealants can help mitigate the damage. Additionally, the freeze-thaw cycle in New York creates significant stress on buildings.
The scope of work on The Dorilton project included façade restoration, roofing, waterproofing, architectural metalwork, replacement of terra cotta with new terra-cotta, terra-cotta repair, limestone repairs, slate roof repairs, and window repair and painting.
More specifically, Pawel explained, “The project included the replacement of terra cotta with new in-kind terra cotta. All matching elements—whether mortar, brick, terra cotta or other exterior façade components—were reviewed and approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to ensure they closely matched the building’s original conditions. Nova prepared mock-ups for each item required by the LPC, which were first approved by the architect and building management before being submitted to the LPC for final approval.”
Explaining the washing/cleaning, Pawel said, “We often use power washing as part of our façade restoration and cleaning services. At The Dorilton, all terra cotta surfaces were cleaned using a mild detergent and water solution. The method depends on the type of stone and the architect’s specifications. In some cases, we use water and detergent, but the specific approach is always tailored to the material being restored. These details are typically determined by the architect before the project begins to ensure the best outcome for the building’s surface.
In addition to water, chemicals may be used for cleaning. Most cleaning products used in the restoration industry are required to be environmentally friendly and comply with all EPA regulations. Pawel explained that the specific products are predetermined and vary from project to project, depending on the type of stone or material being cleaned. There is a strong emphasis on using minimally invasive products to avoid harm to tenants, animals, and the surrounding environment, ensuring a safe and responsible cleaning process. The runoff from the cleaning is collected and disposed of properly.
While much of Nova’s restoration work is done on scaffolding, façade restoration often involves removing elements like masonry or stone for cleaning and repairs. For example, on this project, Nova restored balusters on the 4th floor and replaced terra cotta elements on the façade, both of which required scaffolding. The netting is primarily installed for safety. It helps protect workers, tenants, and pedestrians by preventing debris or materials from falling off the scaffolding during the restoration process. “Nova has various safety systems in place to ensure the job site remains secure for everyone,” Pawel said.
Reattaching broken or removed pieces depends on the project and the materials used. For masonry, mortar is often applied through repointing, while natural stone or terra cotta may be repaired, replaced with the original material, or recreated in cast stone or Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC).
Pawel described how broken decorative pieces are typically repaired using techniques such as pinning and patching. However, if a replacement is needed, a specialized manufacturing company would be hired to produce a replica, either in the original material or as a cast stone replica. For example, a company like Crestone Studio, which specializes in cast stone manufacturing, can replicate stones. “We focus on the restoration while the manufacturer handles the fabrication of any replacement units.”
Clearly, the complicated work on Dorilton’s facade involved many specialists. Communication and cooperation continues to be essential. “Each project has its rewarding aspects, but for this one,” Pawel said, “The collaboration with the architectural firm Walter B. Melvin has been particularly satisfying. Working closely with architect David Van Erk has been a great experience. Strong communication and teamwork have made the work more efficient and navigating complex decisions and processes much smoother. In this industry, good communication is key, and when it works well, it makes all the difference.”
We anxiously await the results!