Keeping with the original design that is a whimsical combination of architectural steels that has been characterized as Victorian Gothic, EW Howell Construction Group completed the full renovation and restoration of the historic dairy building. Our Dairy restoration included restoring its historic open-air porch; repairing, cleaning, and repointing the exterior masonry; replacing windows and doors, including an accessible entrance door; a new climate control system; and more.

Renovations to the associated utilities shared with the satellite building were also included. The satellite building required modest renovation for the purpose of relocation owner occupancy and retail operations during the restoration of the main building.

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This All Souls Church project consisted of the total renovation and restoration to both the interior and exterior of the already existing Sanctuary. Exterior work included a new slate roof, restoration and cleaning of exterior brick and stone masonry, and replacement of windows. Interior work included plaster restoration at the sanctuary and balcony, renovation of chancel, new altar, new pews, new cork/slate flooring at the sanctuary, new lighting, new HVAC, a new meeting room, kitchen renovations, and refurbishment of a sidewalk lift.

Pre-construction on this project began in June 2018 through until April 2019, which is when construction began. Construction concluded in June 2020.

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Additional building scope included upgrades to the heating system and lighting by using leading-edge materials and technologies, which made the building more energy efficient while also respecting its landmark status. Metal coating system upgrades, reflecting pool waterproofing, paving, planting, and restroom renovations were also included.

The structural restoration of the Palm Dome required overcoming many challenges. The compression ring, the main structural element, was partially accessible during design. Utilizing an aggressive schedule due to limited time allowed for affecting the plant collection, the construction had to be sequenced in a way that allowed for removals and observation of existing conditions to happen concurrently. Additionally, modifications to specified repairs based on on-site conditions needed to be expedited. Actual repairs affected the global stability of the structure and required shoring, which then affected the scaffold footprint and the plantings. Solving all of these constraints required a multi-disciplinary approach of close coordination between owner, designers, and construction from design through construction.

EW Howell Construction Group made an important recommendation early on to change the material used for the new Palm Dome. The painted wood cladding around the drum and the wood cornice—originally constructed with rot-resistant, first-growth bald cypress that is now very rare—was replaced with cast and extruded aluminum components. Not only was this solution very durable and would require much less maintenance, but it would also help preserve these very rare trees from having to be cut down.

• View these related articles, which cover specific details about preforming the complex renovations to the Conservatory: NYLC Moses Award, Constructioneer, and Retrofit.

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This MCNY project consists of a partial floor renovation of the cellar through to the third floor, with limited scope on the fourth and fifth floors. All work necessary for historic restoration and modernization of the north wing includes providing new MEP, fire protections, security, and tele/data installation. Completion of the galleries, auditorium, and associated programming will match construction performed in the previous phases of construction.

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of the project was keeping the Museum in operation throughout the entire multi-phase process, with a strategy that ensured museum staff had the essential space to continue their work in serving the public with ongoing exhibitions and educational programs.

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The renovation expanded exhibition space by 7,000 square feet by converting the third floor of the Carnegie Mansion, currently the library, to new contemporary galleries, and moving the library to two adjacent townhouses and improving gallery spaces and infrastructure at the Mansion and townhouses. The Carnegie Mansion project also includes new freight elevators, new registrar offices, and new art conservation labs. Important public spaces such as the main stair accessing the gallery floors and restrooms were renovated and expanded to enhance the visitor experience.

EW Howell Construction Group aimed to preserve the historical structure and maintain the quality and character of the 1902 building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The most important aspect of the project was to maintain the existing ceiling while installing new lighting, sprinkler systems, power and art hanging systems. Another challenge was the restoration of the original “Teak Room,” which entailed the restoration of heavily stained wallpaper, gold leaf painting and ceiling. The renovation expanded the exhibition space by 7,000 square feet by converting the third-floor library to the new contemporary galleries.

Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle and Gluckman Mayner Architects, the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum/Carnegie Mansion project was recognized by Engineering News-Records’ 2014 Best Regional Projects, receiving the Award of Merit for Cultural/Worship Project. It also received the 2015 Jeffrey J. Zogg Build New York Award.

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EW Howell completed a 14,000-square-foot, 3-story modernization of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Paintings Conservation Facility and associated offices.

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