NEW YORK, NY - The historic façade of a New York landmark has been carefully restored in a project that combined modern construction expertise with a deep respect for architectural heritage. At the heart of this effort was a meticulous process of inspection, documentation, and repair—work led quietly yet diligently by Cherry (Xinyi) Qu, the project’s designer and coordinator.
Timeless beauty captured in the intricate details and warm tones of a historic facade. Image Courtesy of Cherry Qu.
The restoration addressed years of wear on the building’s ornate façade, balancing the need to resolve structural issues like cracks, leaks, and deterioration with the responsibility to maintain its historic character. To achieve this, Qu led detailed on-site inspections, mapping defects and developing elevation drawings that guided repairs while honoring the building’s original design. Her analysis of inspection photos and defect mapping provided a clear visual roadmap for repairs, a critical step in ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic preservation.
A quintessential feature of New York's historic architecture, fire escapes serve both as a practical emergency measure and a critical access point for detailed exterior inspections. Image Courtesy of Cherry Qu.
Qu’s role extended to solving water infiltration issues through moisture testing conducted in tenant spaces, using specialized tools to pinpoint leaks and damage. She compiled findings into detailed diagrams and annotations that informed precise repair recommendations. By preparing comprehensive historic preservation reports for the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), Qu ensured all proposed solutions adhered to preservation guidelines while seamlessly integrating with the building’s historic fabric.
Beyond the desk and diagrams, Qu’s coordination during construction was equally pivotal. She oversaw weekly site visits to monitor progress, document repairs visually, and maintain alignment with approved designs. Her on-site coordination ensured that contractors followed repair strategies with precision, while her meticulous photo documentation—capturing before, during, and after construction—created a visual archive of the building’s transformation.
Chalk marking, a common technique in restoration, is used here to identify areas requiring repair on a historic cornice, ensuring accurate preservation of its ornate details. Image Courtesy of Cherry Qu.
In addition to addressing technical challenges, Qu facilitated communication between all stakeholders, including contractors, regulatory bodies, and tenants. She played a key role in contractor selection by managing the bid process, drafting letters of inquiry, and evaluating candidates to align project goals with both functionality and design. Throughout the project, Qu also prioritized tenant communication, ensuring they were informed of scaffolding placements and safety measures, bridging the gap between construction logistics and resident concerns.
Qu’s design expertise further contributed to modernizing the company’s visual identity and outreach efforts. She led the redesign of the company’s website, integrating interactive features such as a project map linked to Google Maps, showcasing locations and metrics like client retention rates. Her design work extended to creating custom holiday cards, email brochures, and marketing materials, all of which improved client engagement and reflected the company’s evolving brand identity.
Suspended scaffolding, a common sight in New York, is a critical tool for comprehensive exterior inspections, allowing access to intricate architectural details and ensuring building safety. Image Courtesy of Cherry Qu.
"Restoration of this scale requires more than just repair; it’s about stewardship,” said Qu. “It takes a sharp eye for detail, the ability to communicate across disciplines, and a deep understanding of both history and design to deliver something like this.”
The façade restoration not only rejuvenated a significant piece of New York’s architectural fabric but also highlighted the unseen labor required for such projects. Through Qu’s work, the building stands as a testament to how design, technical expertise, and preservation can converge to safeguard a city’s heritage for generations to come.
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