Category P
RESTORATION

Instructions: Review the entries in this category and make your decision on which entries in this category have your vote for first place (gold), second place (silver) and third place (bronze) awards. Make a note of your choices so that you have them to reference when you are ready to vote. Once you have chosen your three winners in each category (there are a total of 10 categories), you can place your votes online by submitting a Top Job e-Ballot. Only one member per company is allowed to submit a ballot. Questions or problems? Contact us.

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P-0001

marine garden fencing

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: RESTORATION
Designed by: Architect
Total Labor Hours: 750
Finish Type: Epoxy Primer and two-part urethane
Materials Used: Aluminum

General Description: We were asked to replicate some very elaborate metal work in an historical site that had rusted away due to its exposure to salt water. The original work was done some 100 plus years ago and we only had some faded photos and original drawings that were barely readable. The original work was done in wrought iron and then someone replaced it in mild steel about 30 years ago and it completely rusted out. We proposed to copy the original as best as possible in aluminum. (Bronze or stainless would have been an ultimate choice but the budget didn’t allow it.) One challenge was that to use the same holes in the stone because they were very concerned about the historical value of the stone itself. So the layout had to be exactly like it was done 110 years ago. When trying to drill out the old rusted out holes, we encountered lead that have been used to to pour and set the posts. If you have ever tried to drill solid lead that is about 3” in diameter and 14” deep you will know that it can take up to four hours to drill one hole. The heavy top crowns were done from solid billet aluminum on a CNC mill. We felt this would be superior to an aluminum casting for longevity; and this allowed a lot of crisp detail. We spent months making scrolls and several months piecing it together and welding, etc. Installation was also a challenge ,especially the gates which were hinged with custom journal hinges with stainless pins and bronze bushing.

P-0003

complete restoration of historical exterior lighting

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: RESTORATION
Designed by: Fabricator/Architect (jointly)
Total Labor Hours: 2500
Finish Type: Patina, Bronze paint and clear coat
Materials Used: Bronze, Copper

General Description: In the 1920s, a local blacksmith crafted seven bronze light posts and 16 bronze wall sconces from a sketch for a regional theater. The fixtures were a welcoming focal point for guests until the 1950s when the units failed due to exposure to the elements. After more than 70 years in storage, the historical theater wished to restore the lighting to its original beauty. Due to the storage method, the fixtures were damaged — requiring extensive repair to preserve and modernize including chemically stripping to remove the original lead paint, new bronze castings, soldering broken components, remaking the 4 mil glass panes with the original glass manufacturer, crafting and soldering new copper clips to secure the glass, completing a delicate glass bead blasting process to achieve the desired finish, and converting light fixtures to LED. The installation process reused the original holes for the wall sconces, secured all fixtures with stainless hardware and epoxy, and protected the wiring from weather exposure.

P-0004

dva window shades

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: RESTORATION
Designed by: Fabricator/Architect (jointly)
Total Labor Hours: 2251
Finish Type: Non-Directional
Materials Used: Galvanized Steel Plate, Steel Tube, Aluminum Plate, and Stainless Hardware

General Description: This project involved replacing the original precast concrete vertical shades on an aging power company building that had deteriorated over time. We provided full design-assist support, including detailed drawings and structural engineering coordination. Installation presented several challenges, including a non-standard attachment method and a voided slab concrete roof system that required X-ray verification for accurate layout and grout backfill prior to panel installation. The new system reinterprets the building’s original design, featuring lightning and flame motifs inspired by Fred Guirey’s iconic precast shades. Blending historical inspiration with modern fabrication and precision engineering, the updated shades enhance the building’s architectural presence while ensuring long-term performance and durability. The result is a visually striking, contemporary feature that both revitalizes and respects the legacy of the original design—bridging the craftsmanship of the past with the innovation of today.

P-0005

restoration of sculpture

Is this a joint venture: No
Category: RESTORATION
Designed by: Designer
Total Labor Hours: Approximately180
Finish Type: Sandblasted
Materials Used: 304 Stainless Steel

General Description: Our team was commissioned to replicate One Second, a sculpture by artist Antonio Vega Macotela originally installed on the High Line in New York City. The original frame had rusted over time, compromising both its structure and appearance. To preserve the integrity of the artwork while ensuring its longevity, we meticulously reconstructed the piece using 304 stainless steel. This material was chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain a refined finish in an outdoor urban environment. Throughout fabrication, we remained faithful to Macotela’s original design—replicating proportions, detailing, and surface qualities to honor the artist’s intent. The result is a precise yet enduring version of One Second that maintains the contemplative spirit of the original while enhancing its durability. Now reimagined in stainless steel, One Second continues to engage viewers in its reflection on time, material, and permanence within the evolving landscape of the city.