The completed rooftop cupola at Nine Orchard, reconstructed as part of the landmark building’s restoration.

Facade Restoration in New York City

Terra cotta, limestone, brick and copper on landmarked and occupied buildings across New York City.
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Facade Restoration Under New York City’s Rules

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Local Law 11 / FISP

Repairs that close Unsafe and SWARMP conditions before the next five-year filing.

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LPC Landmarks

LPC permit before any exterior work. Replica ornament reviewed by the Commission.

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Occupied Buildings

Work sequenced around tenants and sidewalks, as at 12 East 86th Street.

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Terra Cotta and Stone

Unit replacement, GFRC and precast replication from archival documentation.

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Structural Steel

Corroded lintels and embedded steel replaced, as at 611 West 112th Street.

Experts in the field

What We Do

Every item below is work KNS has performed on a building named on this site.

When a FISP report cites Unsafe or SWARMP conditions, the repairs fall under Local Law 11 and FISP facade repairs. On individually designated buildings and in historic districts, the same trades are performed as landmark and historic building restoration.

Failed terra cotta replaced with architectural precast and GFRC across 200,000 sq ft at 12 East 86th Street, building occupied throughout.

Extensive brick repair at 611 West 112th Street, limestone cleaning and sealing at The Frick Collection, brownstone sills at 455 West 20th Street.

Structural steel refurbished behind the masonry at 611 West 112th Street before the terra cotta, limestone and brick went back.

The long-lost copper cupola and spire at Nine Orchard reconstructed to LPC approval; the missing cornice at 611 West 112th Street replicated in GFRC from archival documentation.

Dow Corning window perimeter caulking and Sika terrace traffic coating at 401 East 80th Street, Gracie Mews, Yorkville.

Local Law 11 facade restoration at Gracie Mews, 401 East 80th Street, Yorkville, Manhattan
RECOGNIZED WORK

Award-Winning Facade Restoration in New York

KNS has performed facade restoration on some of New York City’s most recognized preservation projects, including two buildings honored with Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards from the New York Landmarks Conservancy.

Restored facade of Nine Orchard, the former Jarmulowsky Bank Building on the Lower East Side, Manhattan
Terra cotta cornice reconstruction and masonry repair at 611 West 112th Street, Morningside Heights, Manhattan
Restored facade of Nine Orchard, the former Jarmulowsky Bank Building on the Lower East Side, Manhattan
Jarmulowsky Bank

Nine Orchard

Landmark facade restored, copper cupola and spire reconstructed. 2021 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award.

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Terra cotta cornice reconstruction and masonry repair at 611 West 112th Street, Morningside Heights, Manhattan
611 West 112th Street

Columbia University

Masonry facade restored, missing cornice reconstructed in GFRC. 2026 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Every five years. Under the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), also called Local Law 11, the owner of every New York City building greater than six stories must have the exterior walls inspected by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector and file a report with the Department of Buildings once per five-year cycle. Cycle 10A filings close on 21 February 2027.

Usually. A sidewalk shed is required whenever work takes place above a public sidewalk, and the Department of Buildings requires public protection to go up immediately once a FISP report classifies a facade as Unsafe. The shed is permitted alongside the facade work and comes down when the repairs close.

When suspended scaffolding is used, yes. The Department of Buildings requires a licensed rigger to supervise suspended scaffold work on New York City facades. Pipe scaffold and mast climbers fall under different rules.

In most cases. Facade repairs generally require a Department of Buildings permit. On a designated landmark or in a historic district, the Landmarks Preservation Commission must also approve the work before it starts, including work not visible from the street: a Certificate of No Effect when a DOB permit is needed, or a Permit for Minor Work when it is not.

What People Say
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Besides being an experienced and professional company for several generations, Anthony, Tony, Jimmy and the Staff at KNS Building Restoration Inc. has always made us feel like part of their family.

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“Oculus Consulting Group has been collaborating with KNS Building Restoration Inc. on various renovation, restoration and exterior façade repair projects for over 25 years in the greater Tri-State Area.

Along with the KNS Managerial and Administrative Staff, our entire Team has ensured that all projects maintain a thorough and vigorous approvals/licensing/permits process, to a safe environment during the work, inspections and signoff phase. The Team is committed to maintaining a grasp on the latest guidelines, procedures and codes by the respective agencies.

Besides being an experienced and professional company for several generations, Anthony, Tony, Jimmy and the Staff at KNS Building Restoration Inc. has always made us feel like part of their family.”

John J. Scheschareg
FARA – President – Oculus Consulting Group
John J. Scheschareg
FARA – President – Oculus Consulting Group
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Our “Go To Construction Team” has always been KNS Restoration, from the firms’ origins many years ago…up to today. The senior management is responsive, highly experienced, and very knowledgeable regarding all aspects of the exterior envelope of a structure including general construction and historic restoration. The more difficult the project, the better they like it

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“We are a medium size Architectural firm working in the NYC region and have specialized in exterior restoration and roofing work for over 45 years.

Our “Go To Construction Team” has always been KNS Restoration, from the firms’ origins many years ago…up to today.

The senior management is responsive, highly experienced, and very knowledgeable regarding all aspects of the exterior envelope of a structure including general construction and historic restoration. The more difficult the project, the better they like it

The hands-on craftsmen that make up the field teams are very experienced and detailed from documenting unfolding issues to communicating with the design team.

The administrative staff at KNS are immediately responsive to all the unfolding issues related to a project site and most especially issues regarding the permitting and governmental filings which is a key part of working in the City of New York.

They are highly recommended beyond any doubt.”

Michael Macaluso, Senior Partner, Architect MJM+A architects, pllc
Michael Macaluso, Senior Partner, Architect MJM+A architects, pllc

Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life

Contact KNS Building Restoration today for a free consultation. Our team of experts is ready to transform and preserve your building with precision and care.

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