elemental

The 9^th & 10^th phases of the award-winning historic reconstruction of Shepard Hall at the City College of New York has officially begun. The project, which includes the replacement of nearly 8,000 pieces of failing terra cotta sculpture ornament with new glass-fiber reinforced concrete replacement units and a new main entrance to the building, is expected to be complete by May 2011. Stay tuned for regular construction progress updates from the field.

As the debate over the preservation of what is considered to be Marcel Breather’s last project continues, Carl Stein is mentioned as one of the Library’s creative contributors here. Carl, prior to departing the Breuer office to join his father Richard Stein, FAIA to form  The Stein Partnership, served as Project Manager for the building’s design.  Metropolis Magazine discusses the battle here.

Elemental co-founders Carl Stein, FAIA & Tom Abraham, AIA give tours of the Great Hall at Shepard Hall, The City College of New York, as part of the annual Open House New York Architectural Tour program. The $12.8 million restoration of the 14,000 sf Great Hall includes the introduction of modern, state of the art acoustic and lighting systems which make the grand assembly space available for a wide variety of programs ranging from lectures and musical performances to commercial film and television shoots. The work also included the refurbishment of twelve sixty-foot stained glass windows, extensive repair of the elaborate decorative plaster and woodwork, and newly designed limestone floor and new control booth. The restoration was the recipient of the Lucy G. Moses Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, one of the nation’s most prestigious preservation awards.

Architect George Post’s neo-gothic confection at City College “would be almost impossible to conceive of today,” says architect Carl Stein, who recently completed a two-decade restoration that uses modern technology and materials while remaining faithful to Post’s artistic vision. The University celebrated the centennial of Post’s collection of buildings in 2007.