130 Pearl Street

130 Pearl St., Buffalo, NY

Overview

This façade restoration at 130 Pearl Street in Buffalo, NY focused on preserving the building’s historic terra cotta elements while incorporating modern materials for long-term durability.

The project involved the restoration of 1,000 square feet of original terra cotta, replacement of 11 severely damaged or missing units with new glass fiber reinforced concrete, and the application of a breathable mineral coating to unify and protect the restored surface. Granite column bases were installed, and a custom fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) cornice and column system was crafted to replicate the original architectural features at the new first-floor storefront.

The most complex aspect of the project was the meticulous field measuring and coordination required to fabricate and install the FRP panels with precision. This work preserved the building’s historic appearance while ensuring structural resilience for years to come.

Services

Masonry Repair & Restoration

Project Highlights

Scope: 1,000 sq ft of terra cotta restored.
Materials: Replaced 11 terracotta pieces with GFRC; installed new FRP cornice and columns.
Restoration: Stripped old coatings, repaired with Conproco Matrix, coated with Keim Soldalit.
Detail Work: Repointed mortar joints to match the original aesthetic.
Additional Work: Installed new granite column bases.
Challenge: Precise field measurement and installation of custom FRP panels.