window restoration

Project: Beechmont Dr.

Located on Merchants' Row, aptly named for the Bloomingdale, Macy, Saks and Gimbels families who had country estates located here, this stately home was built in 1927 for Earl Sams, the founder of the J.C. Penney department store.

Project: 59 Highland Ave.

This historic home was built in 1897, and it remained in the hands of the same family until 1995. Since then it has seen only two owners, both of whom have made renovations and restorations that were true to the home's original character.

Project: 45 E. 66th St.

45 E. 66th St.

Completed in 1908, this building was originally called Parkview as it afforded a commanding view of Central Park. Located on the corner of 66th St. and Madison Ave., it loomed over the rest of the low scale row houses that existed on the block.

This building ushered in a new style of living on the Upper East Side, with 13-room apartments and accommodations for staff. Rather than residing in single family detached homes, fashionable New Yorkers of the time lived high above the dust and noise of the street level.

It was landmarked by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1977.

Acetylated Wood for Windows

Although wooden windows have a unique character and beauty all their own, some owners struggle to justify keeping them when the issue of refurbishment arises. When historic buildings intended to see an extended service life confront the issue of window repair, modern advances in chemistry may be able to provide a long-lasting remedy.