NYC Parks Preserve Iconic Washington Square Arch
NYC Parks conservators and seasonal apprentices are spending three weeks preserving the arch.
Washington Square Arch Preservation Work includes:
– surveying the arch to ensure structural stability of all marble masonry, decorative ornament and sculptural stonework,
– gently cleaning the entire monument of biological growth and pollutants,
– conducting masonry repairs and mortar replacement at the parapet,
– stabilizing the sculptures through chemical stone consolidation,
– applying a graffiti barrier to the lower portion of the arch,
– working with BirdMaster to install an improved roof level bird proofing system.
Dating to 1895, the majestic arch designed by architect Stanford White, is an international symbol of New York City and central gathering place for tourists and New Yorkers alike. The arch was restored in 2003, and this preservation work is part of Parks’ ongoing stewardship.
The Washington Square Arch is one of many monuments throughout the five boroughs that will receive care this summer through NYC Parks’ Citywide Monuments Conservation Program (CMCP), now in its 25th year.
CMCP is an award-winning public/private partnership launched in 1997 and supported by individual, corporate, and foundation grants. Program staff and seasonal conservation apprentices have successfully worked to preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage, and provide graduate-level apprentices with professional training through hands-on work on the nation’s leading collection of public art. For more information, visit the website.
