City Completes Restoration of Front Steps of the Landmark Staten Island Supreme Court Building

Project to Rejuvenate Steps, Handrails and Lighting at Historic 1913 Courthouse Completed Three Months Early

DCAS: Anessa Hodgson, 212-386-0215, AHodgson@dcas.nyc.gov
DDC: Ian Michaels, 646-939-6514, michaelia@ddc.nyc.gov
OCA: Arlene Hackel, 212-428-2500, ahackel@nycourts.gov

(Staten Island, NY – July 18, 2023) NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley and NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Executive Deputy Commissioner of Asset and Property Management Laura Ringelheim today joined First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Hon. Norman St, George, Borough President Vito Fosella and Councilmember Kamillah Hanks to announce the completion of a $5.2 million project to restore the historic front stairs, handrails and other items at the façade of the Staten Island Supreme Court building located at 18 Richmond Terrace. The project, which was funded by DCAS and managed by DDC, began in April 2022 and was originally expected to be complete by September 2023.

“As the steward of some of the City’s most historic buildings, it is our responsibility and our privilege to restore and preserve these assets, and that is precisely what we have done here,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “Our investment in the Staten Island Supreme Court building reflects our commitment to maintaining its historic appearance and ensuring it’s in the best shape to serve generations to come.”

“DDC and its designers studied old plans and photographs to ensure that the courthouse restoration is historically accurate, using the same materials where possible that were used during the original construction,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Thanks to the efforts of DDC’s in-house construction management team, the project was completed three months early and on budget.”

“The public deserves court facilities that are secure, efficient and well-maintained and that reflect the dignity and important work of our justice system. We appreciate the careful preparation and hard work that went into this restoration project, with DCAS and DDC making these much-needed courthouse repairs while taking pains to preserve the historic integrity of this stately, landmark building,” said Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas.

“I am so pleased to participate in today’s unveiling of the restored façade of this majestic courthouse, which has served Richmond County residents for over a century and, with these latest structural and aesthetic improvements, will continue to meet the needs of Staten Islanders in the years ahead,” said First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George. “I commend DCAS and DDC for their admirable efforts in preserving and repairing this beautiful courthouse and am thankful to the court system’s Office of Facilities Planning for their coordination and oversight toward that end.”

"Part of our vision for this downtown district has been to revitalize and attract more people to enjoy our north shore waterfront communities. Many people walk by this landmark building every day and don't realize the architectural history that we have here. Preservation of these unique buildings help to keep the character and craftsmanship of the past alive. I commend the DDC and DCAS for working together to restore the steps of the historic Staten Island Supreme Court building,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella.

“I am thrilled to see the completion of the $5.2 million restoration project of the Staten Island Supreme Court building,” said Council Member Kamillah Hanks. “The much needed renovation of the historic front stairs, handrails and other parts of the façade honors and preserves the landmark status of this building, but also ensures its functionality and public use for many years to come. Thank you to the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the NYC Department of Design and Construction for seeing this project through to its completion.

About the project

The French Renaissance style, temple-fronted limestone courthouse, built in 1913, sits atop an impressive limestone podium fronting Richmond Terrace and New York Harbor and is a designated New York City landmark.

The project included the replacement of the building’s existing limestone steps and landings with more durable granite stairs with bluestone landing pavers. The concrete adjacent to the steps was replaced and the existing structural support beneath the stairs was rebuilt with new reinforced concrete columns and beams. New ornamental bronze handrails intended to look like the building’s original handrails as seen in historic drawings have been installed.

The project also replaced the coping stone and iron picket fence above a retaining wall located along Schuyler Street. Four new exterior lights designed to match the exiting historic fixtures and brackets have been installed along the building portico. A new sidewalk and curbs complete the job along Richmond Terrace.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees
• Managing 55 public buildings
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country
• Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations
  

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas or by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $24 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.