Ivan Brice Architecture is Recipient of 2014
Evelyn and Everett Ortner Award for Historic Preservation
for Landmark Restoration of NYC Public School 39
NYC Public School 39, also known as the Henry Bristow Landmark School, in Park Slope - Brooklyn recently underwent a comprehensive restoration project designed and overseen by Ivan Brice Architecture, under the auspices of the School Construction Authority and New York State Historic Preservation Office. This distinctive brick school building opened in 1877 and is considered to be one of the oldest schools in continuous use in the USA.
In recognition of their accomplishment on this project, the firm of Ivan Brice Architecture has received the first Evelyn and Everett Ortner Award for Historic Preservation. This preservation project involved replacement of the historic cornice and slate roofing, and restoration of exterior masonry. A new copper cornice system was designed to relieve weight off the original masonry walls, with structural steel tubes transferring support of the cornice and raingutters to the roof trusses. The new copper cornices are fabricated to exactly match all original historic details, including ornamental dentils, brackets, and fascia elements. The slate mansard, copper standing seam and shingled gable roofs were fully replaced and all brick and stone masonry was restored.
The unique design challenge for this project was how to appropriately replace the deteriorated wood cornice and gutter system which was originally undersized for its purpose and the cause of water infiltration into the masonry walls and classrooms below. During the design phase, it was decided that the most durable, cost effective material for replacement would be ornamental formed copper. The malleability of copper allowed for accurate replication of the existing wood millwork, using a material that is maintenance free and offers greater durability for the long term.
Recognizing the extraordinary quality of this restoration, the Park Slope Civic Council has honored this project with the first Evelyn and Everett Ortner Park Slope Preservation Award, inaugurated in 2014. The Ortner Award recognizes projects that are compatible with the historic architecture of Park Slope and interventions by individuals or groups to protect the neighborhood's historic character. The objective of the awards is to encourage projects and endeavors that make a positive contribution to maintaining or enhancing Park Slope's unique identity.
For more information on the restoration of PS 39, please contact Ivan Brice Architecture at 212-274-0056 or visit the firm's website at
www.ivanbrice.com For more information on the Ortner Award or the Park Slope Civic Council, please contact John Casson, Awards Administrator at 347-871-0477 or visit the Park Slope Civic Council website
http://parkslopeciviccouncil.org/ -------------------------------------------
Ivan Brice AIA
Firm Owner/Architect
Ivan Brice Architecture
New York NY
-------------------------------------------