NACIA Award Celebrates Greenwood’s NY Capitol Courtyard Restoration
Greenwood Industries announces that it has been honored with the prestigious North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Award for its work on the New York State Capitol Central Courtyard in Albany, NY. This project was part of a significant restoration effort, focusing on the re-roofing and revitalization of the Capitol’s Central Courtyard. The courtyard itself is a roof, protecting various mechanical systems of the Capitol, and the restoration aimed to not only restore, but enhance the courtyard to return it to the architect’s original vision.
According to the original plans the courtyard was to be covered in pavers making it accessible to the public. However, the previous system was simply an inaccessible PVC roof system which had developed significant leaks. Greenwood replaced it with a Siplast liquid applied Paraflex system. The public areas were adorned with stone pavers, carefully selected to match that original vision. To enhance the courtyard’s visual appeal and sustainability, large planters filled with drought-tolerant native plants were installed. The pavilion restoration includes the former restaurant and the Hawk Street Passage, as well as the refurbishment of the Passage’s windows. These improvements ultimately allow more natural light inside and enhance the enjoyment of the beautified courtyard.
The central feature of this restoration was the large copper pavilion, a distinctive element that had not been replaced since its original installation over 120 years ago. Due to the advanced deterioration of the copper, it was imperative to replace all elements, including flat seam and standing seam roofs, wall cladding, downspouts, and intricate ornate details. Our team painstakingly matched the new copper to the original materials, ensuring a seamless integration that honored the historical integrity of the structure. Greenwood did propose one change. The original walls were hand soldered, but our artisans mocked up an ingenious alternative involving hidden clips and bolts. This allowed the wall cladding to be installed with no visible fasteners giving it a beautiful, clean, seamless look.
Winning the NACIA Award is a significant recognition of the hard work and unparalleled experience of our talented team. This project was a collaborative effort involving crews from New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and solutions that define Greenwood Industries. We are immensely proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing our mission of preserving and enhancing historic structures with the same level of dedication and precision.
