142 Prince Street
New York, NY
142 Prince Street was constructed for manufacturing and warehouse use in 1879. The masonry loft building is part of the SoHo Cast-Iron Historic District. Although a copper and slate mansard roof had been added in 1892, subsequent alterations had stripped the roof of all historic materials and features. The building owner, an artists’ cooperative, asked Li · Saltzman Architects to address ongoing structural and water penetration problems.
Based on investigative analysis, Li · Saltzman determined the underlying cause, i.e., the mansard roof was never properly tied back to the original framing. Research yielded archival photographs taken from the adjacent elevated train line, showing pedimented dormers, an ornamental cornice, and large slate tiles. Li · Saltzman recommended restoring the building’s architectural and functional integrity, resulting in the full restoration of the original copper and slate mansard roof, along with the masonry facades. The project received the prestigious Lucy G. Moses Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, as well as a Certificate of Merit from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Designation: SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District
