Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Saturday, July 18, 1998

Release #353-98

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Curt Ritter (212) 788-2971
Bernadette O'Leary (212) 312-3523


MAYOR GIULIANI OBSERVES CITY HALL CLOCK TOWER RESTORATION

Tower, Cupola Part Of Renovation Project To Renew Landmark Building's Roof And Decorative Features

(City Hall Park) Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today looked on as the refurbished clock tower was hoisted from a flatbed truck and reassembled atop City Hall's roof. This is the second phase of a rehabilitation project, launched this spring, to rebuild the roof and to restore its decorative features. The all-day event involved the piece-by-piece delivering of the clock tower and cupola to City Hall from the South Street Seaport, where it was shipped by the Rhode Island-based builders, New England Boatworks.

"City Hall is one of the most impressive and treasured landmarks in New York City," said Mayor Giuliani. "Completed in 1812, this building holds a tremendous historical value, so it is only proper that we restore it to its original glory. Among the projects to be completed during the $4 million renovation include, restoring City Hall's original clock tower, rehabilitating the roof and cleaning the exterior of the building which has never been done before. As the seat of our City's government it is important that City Hall remain a shining symbol of democracy – and this rehabilitation project will ensure that this legacy continues for future generations."

The new clock tower and cupola pieces replaced the deteriorated structure which were demolished earlier this summer. Other aspects of the restoration project include rehabilitation of the roof and flashing on the left and right wings; the skylight and vent; replacement of the door and window at the roof of the central portion of the building; removal and reinstallation of the restored Statue of Justice; installation of through-wall flashing below railing to ensure a water-tight detail; and replacement of flagpoles. The $4 million project is being financed with City capital funds. The entire project is expected to be completed by October.

The Mayor expressed his thanks to Jean Ross, City Hall Project Coordinator, who helped make this restoration project run smoothly. Cabrera Barricklo Architects, P.C. were commissioned by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and New York City Economic Development Corporation to design the renovation. Additional contributors to the project are the Office of the Mayor, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Art Commission of the City of New York, consultant engineers Robert Silman Associates, P.C., general contractor Barney Skanska, and conservators Les Metalliers Champenois.

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