Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera House
The BAM Opera House is America’s oldest continuously operating performing arts center. The cornerstone of this grand building was laid in 1906 and construction was completed in 1909. In its rich history, the Opera House has seen performers from Enrico Caruso to Christopher Walken. The BAM marquee façade features much decorative detail in brick, terra-cotta, granite and marble. Masonry restoration of this landmark requires strict adherence to New York City landmarks guidelines.
The project involved:
- Masonry restoration
- Supervision of specialty contractors
- Extensive repair of corners and parapets
- Removal of materials down to the structural steel frame, then rebuilding
- Replication of damaged brick that is no longer available
- Removal and resetting of terra-cotta panels of the band course
- Replacement of damaged tiles with new tile to specifications using historically correct methods of reproduction
- Creation of a GFRC cornice and parapet with balustrade to replace original building features
Project Portfolio Images
Project Details
- Completion Date: 6/21/2004
- Owner: Brooklyn Academy of Music
- Funding: New York City Department of Design and Construction
- General Contractor: Graciano Corporation
- Engineer: Robert Sillman Associates
- Construction Manager: Greyhawk North America
- Prime Consultant: Hugh Hardy of Holzman Pfeiffer Associates LLP.
- Tile Manufacturer: Boston Valley Terra-Cotta
News and Awards
- Terra Cotta Symphony, Brooklyn Academy of Music — Traditional Building
- Graciano Corporation Recognized With 2004 Lucy G. Moses Award For Outstanding Restoration Work At Brooklyn Academy Of Music
- A Brooklyn Landmark Gets Its Crown — New York Times
- 2003 Project of the Year — New York Construction News
- Bob Villa Tours Brooklyn Academy of Music During Graciano Restoration
- Graciano Corporation Builds On Its Leadership Role In Restoring New York Landmarks With New Projects
- Graciano wins Best of 2003 — New York Construction
- Graciano Corporation Takes Top Honors At 2002 Golden Trowel Awards
Glossary Items
- Abrasive Cleaning,
- Balcony Repairs,
- Caulking,
- Cementitious Coatings,
- Demolition,
- EIFS Cleaning,
- Façade Repairs,
- Grouting,
- Masonry Cleaning,
- Masonry Restoration,
- Parking Deck Repair,
- Polymer-Modified Mortar Repairs,
- Sealing,
- Shotcrete,
- Structural Repairs,
- Terra Cotta Replacement and Repair,
- Traffic Coatings,
- Tuck Pointing,
- Urethane Foam or Epoxy Injection,
- Waterproofing