THE SINGER BUILDING
561 Broadway, NY

Regarded architecturally as a critically important early New York skyscraper, this work of the renown architect Ernest Flagg presented unique preservation problems. The exterior building system is based upon details that employ an exposed iron lattice to support terra cotta fireproofing over the structural steel skeleton. The restoration project called for much of the original lattice system to be removed, in order to repair the steel frame. The original terra cotta cladding and lattice were re-assembled following the structural steel repairs. The work included the fabrication of wrought iron work to replace missing ornamental pieces, the restoration of the operable mahogany and glass doors and transom windows, the replacement of structural steel, and the installation of a comprehensive roof level waterproofing system. In addition to the exterior restoration, Bone/Levine Architects consulted on the upgrading of all primary building systems. The building is a New York City Landmark.