Progressive Housing in New York City: - Columbia University ...

achieves a great deal of visual interest. As we see here, a lot of variety and creativity can be
expressed both with the choice of bricks and the manner in which they are laid.
The first step to preserving these buildings is awareness—we hope this will be accomplished
through our extensive research and analysis. The next step will be the actual preservation of the
structures in their physical fabric. One method is through conditions surveys.
A building conditions survey has been defined as, “A comprehensive, critical, detailed, and
formal inspection of a building to determine its condition and value, often resulting in the
production of a report incorporating the results of such an inspection.”
Conducting a conditions survey on a historic building of significance can serve as an incredibly
valuable tool for preservation of the structure. A close examination of the materials used on the
building is necessary to determine the current condition and understand the decay processes of
these materials. Before any work is done to structure (be it conservation, alterations,
refurbishment, or restoration) a conditions survey acts as a guide in defining the scope of work.
The defects and problems can then be prioritized and dealt with accordingly. Conditions surveys
are incredibly valuable to the future maintenance of buildings. Problems with the building found
at an early stage of deterioration can be assessed, and the conditions can be monitored and
compared over time.
The surveys I conducted were purely visual conditions assessments. I used simple tools like
binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and took field notes and sketches to document the
buildings.
The De Forest Fireproof Tenements were built in 1905, and designed by Earnest Flagg. The
building is seven stories, with a central entrance and retail spaces on the ground floor. The
simple ornamentation of the Beaux Arts style terra cotta detailing and the flat arch brick lintels
gives this building a subtle dignity. To the owner’s credit, it is in excellent condition.
The original 2 over 2 windows have unfortunately all been replaced with black metal framed, 1
over 1 windows. It is recommended that more historically sensitive windows are specified when
the current ones need replacement. The terra cotta cornice is intact and in good condition.
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