NYPL's Majestic Fifth Avenue Building Sparkles Again

One of New York City's most revered and cherished icons is celebrating its 100th birthday this year—and thanks to a monumental restoration, it looks just as beautiful as it did on the day it opened as "The People's Palace" on May 23, 1911.

The New York Public Library has just completed a three-year restoration and preservation project of the landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. The Vermont white marble structure designed by architects Carrère and Hastings has stood as an impressive symbol of opportunity and access for the people of New York City and the world for a century. The unveiling of the newly restored facade represents the start of a yearlong celebration in the building's honor.

During the past century, the Schwarzman Building has suffered the harsh effects of burned coal, a continual torrent of bus exhaust, acid rain and pollution, and pigeon droppings. Most recently, the east (Fifth Avenue) facade, like the west, north, and south facades before it, was cleaned through gentle scrubbing with detergent and steam and water mist, then finished with a protective lime wash.

The 390-foot facade posed numerous restoration challenges. It houses the bulk of the structure's fine art sculpture, including the pediment groups and free-standing attic figures, plus column capitals, bronze window grilles, and two massive flagpole bases that flank the front plaza.

"It's thrilling to see each detail of this Beaux-Arts masterpiece emerge so beautifully, especially as the building's Centennial approaches," says Library President Paul LeClerc. "Its magnificence is a visual reminder of how centrally important reading, learning, and creating are to a vibrant and democratic society. No other city in the world, now or ever, has made such immense collections and superb services freely available to everyone."

Project architect Timothy Allanbrook explained that although the restoration tried to retain and protect as much of the original structure as possible, some elements needed to be replaced. For example, the columns in front of the main entrance are topped with acanthus leaves elaborately carved from thin pieces of marble. Exposed to the elements, such delicate details degrade more rapidly; leaves that were broken or severely weakened required repairs in the form of new marble embellishments. Overall, there was a tremendous amount of hand carving—all done on site.

"We're looking forward to seeing the Library sparkle again," says Dr. LeClerc. "This project will protect the building for a long time as it continues to serve as a beacon to New Yorkers and visitors from around the world."

View the slide show with before and after images

This story was adapted from an article in the fall 2010 issue of NYPL's donor magazine, Bookmark.