Scaffolding covers the façade of the Eldridge Street Synagogue as a crew from Seaboard Weatherproofing & Restoration Company works to restore the fine detail of this historic building’s exterior.
Scaffolding covers the façade of the Eldridge Street Synagogue as a crew from Seaboard Weatherproofing & Restoration Company works to restore the fine detail of this historic building’s exterior.
Under the auspices of the not-for-profit Eldridge Street Project, the entire building is undergoing an extensive rehabilitation that is expected to cost a total of $12 million. The anticipated completion date of the façade work is December 2005.
The scope of Seaboard’s involvement with the project includes cleaning the beige brick façade, repointing the masonry, and restoring the large terra-cotta center window and the wood surrounds around the other windows. Seaboard will also replace seven ornamental finials removed in 1960. All work will be conducted by hand, using the same methods the original craftsmen used to give the building its special character.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the restoration of this wonderful architectural gem,” said Seaboard President Michael Ahearn. “We will work to reverse the ravages of time and bring this historic building back to its former glory.”
The elaborate façade features a large rose window, elaborate cornices, molded brick work, and Central Gable, along with keyhole-shaped windows that accommodate stained glass. Moorish touches include rounded arches, bell-shaped pinnacles, and intricately carved columns, which Seaboard will restore to their original condition.
Completed in 1887, the synagogue is the first great house of worship built in the United States by East European Jews. The congregation flourished through the 1920’s, when many Jews left the Lower East Side. Worshippers continued to gather in the building, but began meeting in the basement during the 1950’s as the main sanctuary deteriorated. Despite the setbacks, the congregation has not missed a weekly service since its founding.
The synagogue is the latest high-profile building in Manhattan that Seaboard has worked on. The company is currently working on the Woolworth Building and recently completed the restoration of 90 West Street, a Cass Gilbert masterpiece that The New York Times called the “miracle survivor of 9-11.”
About Seaboard Weatherproofing and Restoration Company: Based in Port Chester, NY, Seaboard Weatherproofing and Restoration Company is one of the leading restoration and alteration construction firms in the New York City metropolitan area. The company has received several accolades for its work on high-profile projects, including The Elephant House at the Bronx Zoo, The Cloisters museum, and 90 West Street, originally constructed in 1907 and designed by noted architect Cass Gilbert, which experienced extensive damage during the 9-11 attack. For more information, please call (800) 347-7464 or visit www.seaboardwpr.com.
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