The Woolworth Building

Five-tier landmark, unique in the portfolio

1. 01

   Exterior Examinations and Reports

   Mr. Edwards performed and directed building-wide visual surveys and close-up physical examinations of the Woolworth Building's exterior from suspended scaffolding. The restoration program encompassed 57 scaffold drops across the lower elevations and tower, providing access to the building's historic glazed architectural terra cotta, brick masonry, stone, copper and ornamental architectural features.

   The examinations included facade sounding, assessment of deterioration and previous repairs, photographic documentation, condition mapping, field sketches, repair classifications and measured quantities. Existing-condition documentation and repair schedules established the extent of required restoration, appropriate repair treatments, and repair-versus-replacement criteria, informing construction drawings, specifications and contractor bidding.

2. 02

   Architectural Restoration Construction Drawings and Specifications

   Mr. Edwards prepared the architectural restoration construction drawings and specifications for the Woolworth Building's exterior rehabilitation, including detailed facade elevations, repair locations, restoration details, repair schedules, material requirements and contractor bidding documents.

   The construction documents established the scope and methods of repair for historic architectural terra cotta, masonry, stone and related architectural features. Restoration details addressed terra cotta pinning, patching and crack repairs, mortar repointing, glaze repairs, joint sealants, lead tee caps and selected replacement architectural elements.

   Particular attention was given to the retention of original historic fabric, compatibility of repair materials and preservation of the building's architectural character.

3. 03

   Historic Preservation and Regulatory Review

   Mr. Edwards prepared and reviewed restoration documentation, material samples, repair details, shop drawings and installed mockups required for review by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

   The work included review of terra cotta pinning and patching, mortar repointing, glaze repairs, glass-fiber-reinforced concrete replacement elements, joint sealants and lead tee caps. Mr. Edwards evaluated material samples, proposed repair methods, fabrication details and restoration mockups against the approved preservation requirements and addressed comments and revisions arising during construction.

   His responsibilities also involved construction documentation and regulatory requirements of the New York City Department of Buildings, including matters affecting the approved restoration scope and subsequent construction work.

4. 04

   Contractor Bidding and Procurement

   Mr. Edwards administered the competitive contractor bidding process, including preparation of bidding documents, responses to bidder inquiries, evaluation of contractor qualifications, review of proposed construction scopes and bid leveling.

   His responsibilities included review of exclusions and qualifications, comparison of unit prices, alternates and allowances, and evaluation of contractor proposals against the architectural restoration drawings, specifications, material requirements and construction access provisions.

   The procurement process extended to review of the restoration trade contract and its accompanying documents, including the scope of work, technical specifications, repair pricing, construction schedule and contractual requirements governing execution of the restoration.

5. 05

   Construction Administration

   Mr. Edwards administered the exterior restoration throughout construction, conducting initial, progress and final construction reviews across the building's suspended-scaffold restoration areas.

   His responsibilities included responding to contractor requests for information, reviewing shop drawings and technical submittals, evaluating product data and material samples, examining restoration mockups and reviewing construction workmanship against the approved drawings, specifications and preservation requirements.

   Construction administration extended to the examination of unforeseen field conditions, interpretation and clarification of construction documents, evaluation of proposed changes, review of corrective repairs and monitoring of contractor performance.

   Mr. Edwards also reviewed construction progress, contractor payment applications, outstanding work and the completion requirements of the restoration program.

6. 06

   Field Sketches and Repair Quantities

   The extensive restoration required systematic documentation of repair conditions, measurements and quantities identified during close-up examinations and construction.

   Mr. Edwards prepared and reviewed field sketches, repair maps and supporting photographs identifying the location, classification, dimensions and quantities of required repairs. These documents were used to evaluate unforeseen conditions, establish additional repair requirements, distinguish original contract work from proposed additional work and assess contractor quantity submissions.

   Measured repair quantities and documented field conditions informed review of unit-price adjustments, additional-work proposals and construction expenditures.

7. 07

   Construction Contract Administration, Cost and Quantity Management

   Mr. Edwards's construction administration responsibilities included review and application of the restoration trade contract, construction drawings, technical specifications, unit-price schedules and contractual procedures governing changes to the work.

   He evaluated unforeseen field conditions, prepared and reviewed field sketches, measured repair quantities and assessed contractor proposals for additional work. His responsibilities included review of change-order pricing, additions and deductions, repair allowances, contract scope adjustments and the financial implications of changing restoration requirements.

   Mr. Edwards also reviewed contractor applications for payment and supporting construction information against the work performed, documented repair quantities, contract requirements and outstanding construction items.

   The work required continued examination of contractor progress, scaffold sequencing, construction schedules and commercial obligations throughout the restoration.

8. 08

   Building Regulations, Site Safety and Special Inspections

   Mr. Edwards's construction administration responsibilities extended to approved site safety documentation, suspended-scaffold access, construction sequencing, public protection, Tenant Protection Plan requirements and the scheduling and follow-up of required special inspections.

   The restoration involved masonry and post-installed anchor inspections, construction inspection hold points and applicable requirements of the New York City Department of Buildings.

   The work also addressed facade repair requirements associated with New York City's Façade Inspection & Safety Program, including documentation of remedial work and construction requirements associated with the building's periodic exterior wall examinations.

9. 09

   Construction Closeout

   Mr. Edwards conducted final construction reviews of completed facade restoration work, documented incomplete or deficient repairs and reviewed corrective work against the approved construction documents and contractual requirements.

   His responsibilities extended to reconciliation of repair quantities, review of outstanding contractor obligations, completion documentation, warranty requirements and the contractual procedures associated with substantial completion, final completion and project closeout.