24 Months
Project Duration
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS · MANHATTAN
Columbia University Housing
Landmark façade restoration, terra cotta and GFRC cornice reconstruction, and structural steel repairs at 611 West 112th Street.
About the Project
KNS performed comprehensive landmark façade restoration as part of the historic building’s conversion into student dormitories. Work included terra cotta ornamentation repair, limestone restoration, bluestone and granite replacement, structural steel refurbishment, extensive exterior brick repairs, and the installation of a new GFRC cornice replicated from archival documentation. All work was completed in accordance with landmark preservation requirements.
The restoration was recognized with a 2026 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award.
- 01 Landmark Façade Restoration
- 02 Terra Cotta & GFRC Cornice Reconstruction
- 03 Structural Steel & Masonry Repairs
Project by
the Numbers
130,000 sq ft
Project Footprint
24 experts
Team Members Involved
2025
Completion Date
A Closer Look at the Transformation
Years of water infiltration and exposure had taken a significant toll on the building envelope. Terra cotta units were cracked and displaced, stone had deteriorated, mortar joints had failed, and the original cornice was no longer present.
The façade was addressed elevation by elevation, with historic material retained and repaired wherever possible. Terra cotta that could not be salvaged was replicated to match the original profiles and glaze, while deteriorated stone, masonry, mortar joints, and embedded structural steel were repaired throughout the building.
Using archival documentation, the long-missing cornice was reconstructed in GFRC to restore the building’s original profile along West 112th Street.
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.