Located at 25 West 45th Street in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this project centered around the restoration of the building’s historic façade, including the reconstruction of its distinctive lion head terracotta ornaments.

Royal Concrete & Masonry was entrusted with executing a highly detailed restoration program across multiple façade components. The scope included full brick masonry rehabilitation, with extensive repointing, crack repairs, and selective brick replacement to stabilize and renew the exterior envelope. Structural deficiencies were addressed through lintel replacements, rebuilding of compromised façade sections, and reconstruction of the roof parapet wall.

A key highlight of the project was the replacement of the iconic lion head terracotta ornaments. These decorative elements required precise replication and installation to match the original architectural detailing, preserving the building’s historic character while upgrading its durability. Additional restoration work included limestone and terracotta spall and crack repairs, as well as replacement of deteriorated façade elements with modern equivalents such as GFRC where appropriate.

The project also involved significant structural upgrades to the fire escape system, including reinforcement of steel framing, replacement of critical components, and rebuilding of adjacent masonry to ensure long-term safety and compliance.

Given the complexity and vertical scope of the work, Royal implemented a comprehensive rigging and scaffolding system, paired with strict site safety management and coordination.

This project stands as a testament to Royal’s ability to blend technical precision with architectural sensitivity,restoring intricate historic details like the lion head ornaments while strengthening the building for the future.