On this day in 1831, New York University (NYU) received its charter from the New York State Legislature and was incorporated as the University of the City of New York. Now a world-class institution with many notable alumni, NYU’s main campus in Manhattan comprises more than 5 million square feet of space in buildings dating from 1835 to today. SUPERSTRUCTURES has a long-standing relationship with the University, executing several projects since our first in 1996.

These days, when many world maps are a sobering sea of coronavirus red, it’s comforting to reflect on a simpler time when views of global inter-connectivity were more optimistic.

Currently, our team is away from its home in the landmarked AT&T building. But in the interest of enjoying these warmer spring days while maintaining a safe distance from others, see the New York Times’ walking tour of unsung sights in the city, including the spectacular masonry exterior and mosaic-rich lobby of our once-and-future home in Tribeca.

Given the current uncertainty about the potential impact COVID-19 (Coronavirus) could have over the coming weeks and months, SUPERSTRUCTURES has full business continuity plans in place. Concurrently, the health and well-being of all our employees and our clients is of paramount importance to us.

On this day in 1850, the cornerstone was laid for the Astor Library on Lafayette Street in Manhattan, which 115 years later would become a New York City Landmark and home to the Public Theater. SUPERSTRUCTURES performed a condition assessment of the building’s exterior envelope, stage rigging structural components, and interior plaster ceilings of its three performance spaces: the Martinson, LuEster and Anspacher theaters.

The NYC SCA, NYCHA, NYC DCAS, NYC DDC, NYC HHC, PANY&NJ, NYS OGS, DASNY, and US GSA. What do these abbreviations* all have in common? They’re all large agencies with multiple facilities, millions of square feet, and billions of dollars of value under their watch. And they’ve all entrusted SUPERSTRUCTURES for professional architecture and engineering services to restore and renew these assets.

Virtually all of SUPERSTRUCTURES’ award-winning preservation projects have involved terra cotta. We bring that experience to every piece of the material we assess and restore, whether on a landmarked building or not.

Something peculiar is happening to the buildings of the 1970s. They’re turning 50, as Docomomo recently reminded us. This milestone birthday for the designs of the decade gives them enough critical distance that their restoration worthiness is being reconsidered. Whether derided or embraced, 70s architecture is now undeniably historic. From the sleek Solow building to the chunky masonry of Lincoln Plaza Towers, SUPERSTRUCTURES has helped restore exemplars of 70s architecture in New York City and beyond.

In the latest seminar in our monthly continuing education series, Anthony Truppi of Keim Mineral Coatings presented “Mineral Silicate Paints and Stains for Masonry Facades.” His talk on February 12th explored the history, chemistry, and applications of mineral silicate finishes for about 100 clients and colleagues in our classroom.

Got steel elements in a facade that have seen better days? Or a sidewalk vault with corroded steel that concerns you? With years of experience with facade and vault restoration, SUPERSTRUCTURES can help by determining how firmly the rust has taken hold.