RAND's historic facade restoration project, the Ziehl/Starr Residence, won a 2017 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, the New York Landmarks Conservancy's highest honors for outstanding preservation.
Throughout its 138-year history, the Neo-Grec brownstone had undergone many alterations which had stripped away original ornamentation, defining details, and much of the building’s historic character. The current owners were inspired to restore the brownstone to the original architect's vision.
The restoration included the addition of historically accurate door enframements, window headers, sills, decorative paneling, and flower rondels.
Detail of a hand-sculpted flower rondel.
The stucco finish was removed and new brownstone repair mortar replicating the historic texture, color, profile, and decorative features was applied.
The newly restored Ziehl/Starr Residence is a wonderful example of how ordinary New Yorkers and a little inspiration can contribute to preserving the aesthetic beauty and historical architectural quality of a neighborhood, building by building, block by block.
