Hoffmann Architects + Engineers, a design firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, has been selected for the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award for its historic facade restoration of Masonic Hall NYC. The award is New York Landmarks Conservancy’s prestigious recognition for outstanding preservation efforts and represents the Conservancy’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. Named for Lucy G. Moses, a
dedicated New Yorker whose generosity has benefited the city for decades, the awards are made possible through the ongoing support of the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund.
“The masonry exteriors of Masonic Hall not only express the character of the building, but also speak of the history of New York construction and, even more broadly, of Freemasonry,” said Richard W. Off, AIA, senior architect with Hoffmann, who led the design team. “This project’s thorough and detailed efforts to address structural safety concerns and moisture infiltration issues while preserving the diverse decorative elements that reflect the legacy of Masonic craftsmanship make it an exemplary candidate for the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award.”
The Conservancy will present the Moses Awards at a gala event on Wednesday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at The Plaza in Manhattan.
Headquarters of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, Masonic Hall NYC consists of two wings designed by Harry P. Knowles (1871- 1923), who served as head draftsman for Manhattan’s iconic MetLife Tower and was, himself, a Master Mason. Constructed in the early 1900s, both the ornate Beaux-Arts style north wing and the more restrained Neo-Renaissance south wing are clad with ashlar limestone masonry at the lower floors, with expanses of rough-textured brick inlaid with a decorative corbelled diaper pattern. The showpiece of the building is its extensive cream-colored glazed terra cotta ornamentation, including a grand Juliet balcony and rich sculptural details.
One of the foremost project considerations was how to develop lasting solutions that mitigate underlying causes of deterioration and not just provide superficial corrections. At this architectural and cultural landmark, preserving as much of the historic fabric as possible was paramount. A two-part strategy provided structural stability while restoring original features: replace where required by surface or substrate conditions, and repair where masonry was salvageable and service life could be extended.
The most significant portion of the project was replacement of severely damaged and insecure ornamental terra cotta. These pieces were removed, then painstakingly surveyed and cataloged for fabrication, using meticulous color, texture and profile matching, along with mockups, to verify exacting reproduction. Select areas of highly damaged brick and limestone were also replaced, using similarly rigorous matching strategies. While most terra cotta was replaced in-kind, concerns about the ability of the aging framing to support replacement terra cotta, plus new steel anchorage and substructure, drove the decision to make isolated replacements with more lightweight substitute materials.
At Masonic Hall NYC, the project team’s innovative approach, blending traditional building with modern engineering, allowed for a standout restoration that protects and preserves the exquisite ornamentation on this landmark facade. Recognizing this achievement of preservation, the New York Landmarks Conservancy awarded the project its highest honor.
Founded in 1977, Hoffmann Architects + Engineers specializes in the rehabilitation of building enclosures. The firm’s work focuses on the exteriors of existing structures, diagnosing and resolving deterioration within facades, roofing systems, windows, waterproofing materials, plazas/terraces, parking garages and historic and landmark structures.
From the smallest buildings to the most extraordinary landmarks, to the diverse neighborhoods, the New York Landmarks Conservancy preserves and protects the unique architectural heritage of the city. It is on the frontlines, giving New York’s preservation needs a voice, advocating for sensible development, providing financial assistance and technical expertise — all to ensure that the character of the city continues to enrich the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
