Location
476 Fifth Avenue
Completion
2005
Client
New York Public Library
Square Footage
7,000 SF
Architect
Davis Brody Bond, LLP
New York Public Library - Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the restoration of the New York Public Library’s Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division. The major challenge of the project was the primary program change, placing compact storage units under an existing balcony. The original storage systems were constructed of cast iron and steel bookcase standards that were both decorative and structural. These “standards” supported the Vermont Danby marble floor above. In order to install a new system, the existing first floor standards had to be removed and new structural steel had to be inserted. Given the delicate nature of the existing historic finishes, the insertion of the tubular steel required the full protection of the original Welsh terra cotta tiles and the careful disassembly of the hand-carved American black walnut woodwork. Upon completion of the structural system, the woodwork was reassembled.
Every inch of this complex and richly ornamented interior was renewed, restored, and revived. After fully cleaning the plaster carved ceilings, a gilded polychrome glaze was discovered. As a result, a full restoration of the ceiling to its original decorative scheme was undertaken. The highly carved and polished black walnut frieze was cleaned and finished, walls were painted, and the cast iron shelving was painted with a bronze powdered paint. Another essential stage of the project was the restoration of the original furniture in the Reading Room.
Inserting new systems within these two rooms was formidable. The primary upgrade to the Reading Room was the significant increase to the lighting levels. This was accomplished by tucking new “up” lights around the perimeter of the room at the top of the bookcases, by restoring and supplementing two rows of exposed lamps to the four original gilt chandeliers, and by inserting high powered “down” lights within the existing plaster ceiling in order to illuminate the reading tables. Additional upgrades included wireless data, infrared smoke beam detectors, new mechanical systems, and a fully integrated security system.
Project Awards
NY Construction News – Best of 2006
Award of Merit- Rehabilitation, Renovation and Restoration
Thanks a Half-Billion! – At Sciame Construction, we proudly led the effort to reimagine the WTC Memorial and Museum, a project of national significance. Frank Sciame, our founder, was tasked with creating a design that honored the original vision while staying within a $500 million budget. Working closely with Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Pataki, and a team of 13 advisers, including notable figures like Jack Rudin and Robert Douglass, we developed cost-effective design options, ultimately reducing the budget from nearly $1 billion to $510 million. Our approach preserved key elements like the voids, waterfalls, and pools while optimizing infrastructure and resizing the museum. Sciame’s commitment to excellence ensured a memorial that balances beauty, dignity, and sustainability.
Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center – Though relatively small in size, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center was a technically complex project successfully constructed and delivered by Sciame Construction. This groundbreaking laboratory made an outsized impact on global health. It was here that Dr. David Ho pioneered the development of the revolutionary “AIDS cocktail,” a combination therapy that transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition. His groundbreaking work earned him the title of TIME magazine’s Man of the Year, underscoring the center’s profound contribution to the fight against the AIDS epidemic.
The New Victory Theater – Originally built in 1900 as The Republic, the first performing arts venue on 42nd Street, the theater was transformed into The New Victory in 1995, becoming New York’s first theater for children and families. The renovation uncovered and restored original architectural elements, added a new lobby carved from the existing structure and bedrock, rebuilt the historic staircase, and created space for much-needed restrooms. A rear wing was added for backstage access, dressing rooms, workshops, and a loading dock, while new elevators and rooftop HVAC systems were integrated to meet modern needs of the historic theater.
We’re turning 50! As we count down to Sciame’s 50th anniversary on June 13th, we’re celebrating the moments that shaped us. For the next 50 days, we’ll be sharing one standout project a day in our “Countdown to 50”.
Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and friends! We wouldn’t be here without you.
