Evaluation and Data

Photo of encased staircase

Evaluation

The cost of this work was quite modest and the protective system was sufficiently flexible to be adapted to staircases of different dimensions, designs and material. It was easy to construct and required only common fasteners and materials. Most importantly, this system effectively protected the staircases against damage during the renovation work (see figure 8).

Figure 8. The entire historic staircase has been protected against possible damage during the renovation work. The balustrade on the left has been encased in plywood; the floors have been covered; and a temporary plywood wall constructed, shown on the right and at the landing. Note that the plywood wraps around the wall at the entranceway. Photo: Charles Fisher

Project Data

Building: Villard Houses New York, New York

Developer: The Palace Company Helmsley-Spear, Inc.

New York, New York
Project Date: 1977-1980

Architect: Emery Roth and Sons, P.C.
845 Third Avenue New York, New York

Project Cost: The cost of the overall rehabilitation
work was approximately $10,000,000;
cost for the temporary stair covering was too
small to be broken out in the construction cost.

This PRESERVATION TECH NOTE was prepared by the National Park Service. Charles E. Fisher. Preservation Assistance Division, National Park Service, serves as Technical Coordinator for the PRESERVATION TECH NOTES. Information on the staircase protection system was supplied by the architects for the project, Emery Roth and Sons, P.C. of New York City. Drawings appearing in figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 were redrawn by National Park Service staff based on material originally prepared by the architects. Special thanks go to the following Preservation Assistance Division staff who con- tributed to the production: Michael J. Auer, Christina Henry, Brenda Johnson, Sharon Park, Martha A. Gutrick, Terry Robinson and Janet Thomas. Cover photo: HABS Collection.

PRESERVATION TECH NOTES are designed to provide practical information on innovative techniques and practices for successfully maintaining and preserving cultural resources. A1l techniques and practices described herein conform to established National Park Service policies. procedures, and standards. This Tech Note was prepared pursuant to the Na- tional Historic Preservation Act Amendments of 1980 which direct the Secretary of the Interior to develop and make available to government agencies and individuals information concerning professional methods and techniques for the preservation of historic properties.

Comments on the usefulness of this information are welcomed and should be sent by e-mail to Chuck Fisher at link below.

Introduction

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