24 Months
Project Duration
LANDMARK RESTORATION
The Frick Collection
Roofing, waterproofing, paver terraces and controlled façade cleaning at the historic Upper East Side museum.
About the Project
The Frick Collection
The former Henry Clay Frick residence, completed in 1914 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, has housed The Frick Collection since the museum opened in 1935. The landmark underwent a major renovation and enhancement completed in 2025, restoring historic areas of the building while introducing new gallery, public and support spaces.
KNS completed approximately 12,000 square feet of roofing, waterproofing and exterior restoration over a 24-month initial scope. Work included conventional Siplast roofing, copper batten seam roofing and detailing at the bulkhead, waterproofing beneath the historic 70th Street Garden as part of the construction of the new subterranean auditorium, and Hanover paver terraces. In 2026, KNS returned for waterproofing work in the Garden Court, historic limestone facade cleaning and sealing.
- 01 Conventional Siplast Roofing
- 02 Garden Court and Fountain Waterproofing (Siplast Paraflex)
- 03 Hanover Paver Terraces
Project by
the Numbers
We prioritize attention to detail, precision, and the use of the highest quality materials to ensure the longevity and integrity of every roof & facade we work on.
12,000 sq ft
Project Footprint
10 experts
Team Members Involved
2025 & 2026
Completion Date
A Closer Look at the Transformation
The Frick Collection
Built in 1913-14 as the private residence of Henry Clay Frick, the mansion was designed by Carrère and Hastings and later expanded for use as a public museum. When The Frick Collection opened in 1935, the former carriage court had been enclosed beneath a glass roof to create the Garden Court, placing landscaped planters and a central fountain within the historic building.
The recent renovation introduced another major phase of expansion and modernization while preserving the original architecture. Protecting the building from water infiltration was critical, particularly where roofs, terraces, planters and exterior masonry sit above or connect to occupied museum spaces. KNS’s work focused on these vulnerable parts of the envelope, combining new roofing and waterproofing assemblies with restoration of the historic exterior.
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.