Fifth Avenue | Manhattan

Building Highlights:

Originally constructed in 1897 as the Merchants Bank of New York Building, 141 Fifth Avenue began as a prominent commercial and office building and is currently mixed use with residential and retail.

Services Include:

• Facade Restoration

• Historic Preservation

• Roof Restoration

Scope of Project:

This project focused on the restoration of the building’s historic exterior while addressing existing deterioration and enhancing long-term performance. Character-defining architectural elements—including masonry, stonework, and ornamental metal features—were carefully repaired or faithfully recreated to match the original design, preserving the integrity and character of the façade.

The scope of work included roof and mansard replacement, limestone repairs at the water table, and guardrail upgrades to meet current safety standards while remaining visually compatible with the historic architecture. Additional efforts involved refinishing select upper-floor wall surfaces, restoring decorative urns and rosettes, and replacing metal panels to ensure seamless integration with the existing building fabric.

Our Involvement:

FSI served as Architect of Record for the project, developing the comprehensive scope of work for the restoration of the mansard, ornamental terra cotta and limestone elements, and overall façade repairs. FSI also led the development of the roof restoration scope, ensuring alignment with the building’s historic character and long-term performance objectives. In addition, FSI acted as Project Manager, overseeing the restoration process from design through construction and coordinating closely with the client and contractor to ensure quality, clarity, and successful project delivery.