Fred French Building
New York, NY
The Fred French Building, a landmark Art Deco skyscraper, was constructed in 1927. With massed setbacks and detail inspired by ancient Mesopotamian art, the building is embellished with bronze entrances and storefronts at the base and polychromatic terra-cotta murals at its crown.
Li · Saltzman Architects developed a Master Plan for the exterior envelope and lobbies, including restoration of the ornamental terra cotta, brick, and terraced setbacks; restoration of the original bronze and glass façade elements, and development of prototype storefront layouts to accommodate present and future retail tenants; re-creation of the missing retractable awnings; and restoration of the marble, mosaic, and stenciled lobby walls and ceilings. After approval of the Master Plan by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, a phased restoration program was implemented, resulting in a Design Award and Special Commendation for Restoration from the American Institute of Architects (1994).
Designation: NYC Individual Landmark
