Location: Old Tappan Road, Glen Cove, Long Island, NY
Original Architect: William B. Tubby
Date of Construction: 1892-1896
Date of Restoration: 2004-2006
Scope of Work: Stone Restoration, Roofing Replacement, Protective Glazing
The Pratt Family Mausoleum was designed and constructed between 1892 and 1896 in the Romanesque Revival style by one of Brooklyn’s preeminent architects, William B. Tubby. The structure is a masterpiece of stone construction with walls and a pyramidal roof of massive Stoney Creek granite blocks, thin mortar joints, and sculptural ornament carved in situ. The interior of the mausoleum is no less spectacular, with decorative mosaics produced by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Craftsman bronze doors and window grilles complete the enclosure.
In 2004, the Pratt Family engaged Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC to evaluate the condition of the mausoleum and develop a strategy for necessary corrective measures. Careful measured drawings were prepared and exploratory investigations and testing performed. As no historical drawings could be located, an educated assessment of construction techniques and concealed conditions was developed, based upon survey information and familiarity with traditional building methodologies. The mausoleum was found to be in reasonably good condition, but problematic conditions were noted at the interior finishes, edges of roof blocks, and window openings. The primary cause of deterioration was determined to be moisture infiltration and expansion of embedded rusting steel, as evidenced by efflorescence and stone cracking.
In order to address these issues and protect the highly decorative interior mosaics and exterior stone carving, roof stones were removed and reset allowing for maintenance of the concealed steel, waterproofing of the substrate, and the addition of a carefully formed roof drip edge. The resetting of the roof stones was executed with a minimum of new granite material – a major engineering feat as some of these units weighed over 2,400 pounds. Additionally, all of the masonry joints were meticulously repointed to match the original mortar’s properties and color. At the window openings, protective glazing that allowed for ventilation was installed.
The completed work has significantly slowed the deterioration of the highly articulated and meticulously executed surfaces at the Pratt Family Mausoleum. It is anticipated that as additional funds become available a restoration of the interior and original fenestration will be undertaken to ensure that this gem of a structure remains in good condition for another 100 years.
Principal Martin has worked in the architecture and construction industry for over 30 years, including 26 years at WBMA specializing in the assessment and repair of exterior envelopes. He has overseen several award-winning restoration projects including St. Paul’s Chapel – Columbia University, 451 Broome Street, Liberty Tower and Alwyn Court, as well as restoration projects at Louis Sullivan’s Bayard-Condict Building, the Cosmopolitan Club, several City parks and residential cooperatives. Martin is well versed in the myriad building materials that have been used in the northeast and has extensive experience assessing and restoring a variety of masonry and roofing systems. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and is a Registered Architect in New York State.
Education
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Architecture
Professional Registration
Registered Architect in the State of New York
Principal Martin has worked in the architecture and construction industry for over 30 years, including 26 years at WBMA specializing in the assessment and repair of exterior envelopes. He has overseen several award-winning restoration projects including St. Paul’s Chapel – Columbia University, 451 Broome Street, Liberty Tower and Alwyn Court, as well as restoration projects at Louis Sullivan’s Bayard-Condict Building, the Cosmopolitan Club, several City parks and residential cooperatives. Martin is well versed in the myriad building materials that have been used in the northeast and has extensive experience assessing and restoring a variety of masonry and roofing systems. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and is a Registered Architect in New York State.
Education
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Architecture
Professional Registration
Registered Architect in the State of New York
With over 19 years of experience in the field, Sergio has been instrumental in the successful restoration, repair, and continued maintenance of numerous historic structures in New York City and beyond. 13 of those years have been at WBMA, where he has taken a detailed and methodical approach to his projects. Some of his noteworthy ongoing projects include Casa Italiana, Columbia University; The Osborne; 100 Hudson Street; 525 Park Avenue; 130 East End Avenue; and 300 West 108th Street. Previous award-winning projects include 131 Duane Steet – the Hope Building, 451 Broome Street, Donald Judd Home & Studio, and Marymount School of New York. He is a Registered Architect in the States of New York and New Jersey. Originally from Puerto Rico, Sergio received his Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Architectural History from Carnegie Mellon University.
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Master of Science in Historic Preservation
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor of Architecture
Minor in Architectural History
Registered Architect in the States of New York and New Jersey
Principal Martin has worked in the architecture and construction industry for over 30 years, including 26 years at WBMA specializing in the assessment and repair of exterior envelopes. He has overseen several award-winning restoration projects including St. Paul’s Chapel – Columbia University, 451 Broome Street, Liberty Tower and Alwyn Court, as well as restoration projects at Louis Sullivan’s Bayard-Condict Building, the Cosmopolitan Club, several City parks and residential cooperatives. Martin is well versed in the myriad building materials that have been used in the northeast and has extensive experience assessing and restoring a variety of masonry and roofing systems. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California and is a Registered Architect in New York State.
Education
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Architecture
Professional Registration
Registered Architect in the State of New York
With 35 years of professional experience at WBMA, Robert has overseen restoration projects at many of New York City’s premier institutions, including The Met Cloisters, Donald Judd Home and Studio, Green-Wood Cemetery and Riverside Church, as well as McKim Mead and White’s 998 Fifth Avenue and William Tuthill’s Schinasi Mansion at 351 Riverside Drive. A graduate of Lehigh University, Robert is a Registered Architect in the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has a strong understanding of traditional building materials and has developed many new restoration techniques over the years. Robert has published articles on waterproofing of historic masonry walls, restoration of cast iron, and roofing replacement.
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Bachelor of Art in Architecture
Registered Architect in the States of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut