Portfolios > Buildings of Origin

"Seen in light of the ethos of the periods that created them, the traditional façade is an absolutely critical element."
James Marston Fitch*

Altering the historic facade by removing original wooden sash in characteristic period designs and replacing them with contemporary homogeneous aluminum window systems diminishes the critical historical element of the traditional façade and furthermore interrupts the architectural harmony of surrounding buildings in the historic streetscape.
Catherine Albert


*Foreword On Understanding the Historic Façade, Historic Building Facades: The Manual for Maintenance and Rehabilitation, (New York: New York Landmarks Conservancy, Preservation Press, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1997)