BlackRock’s Approach to NYC Renovations
BlackRock’s Approach to NYC Renovations
The most populous city in the United States, New York City is the stuff of legends. Settled in the early 1600s by the Dutch, who christened it New Amsterdam, NYC’s history is rich with a steady stream of immigrants moving to the bustling boroughs to improve their lot in life. Over time, the city has evolved, becoming the vibrant and culturally diverse city it is today, but its roots are still evident throughout each street. Today, NYC is an economic and cultural powerhouse and is home to dozens of National Historic Landmarks, including:
- Bayard-Condict Building
- Bell Laboratories Building
- Brooklyn Heights Historic District
- Governor’s Island
- Grand Central Terminal
- McGraw-Hill Building
- SoHo Cast Iron Historic District
- Triangle Shirtwaist Factory
- 69th Regiment Armory
- American Stock Exchange
The Significance of Historic Buildings
Preserving historic landmarks is about more than mere sentimentality. New York City has a certain je ne sais quoi, a notable character, and protecting the distinctive architecture can also help us protect our roots. At Blackrock Industrial, that’s pretty important to us.
Not all old buildings necessarily have cultural value, but many do. They connect us to our past, with previous accomplishments pushing us forward and encouraging progress. Some, like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, signify turning points in our nation’s history while others, like the Empire State Building, are representative of the city itself.
Historic sites are so meaningful that in 1966, Congress enacted the National Historic Preservation Act to maintain the city’s heritage and ensure “that its vital legacy of cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, economic, and energy benefits will be maintained and enriched for future generations of Americans.”
Renovating Historic Buildings
These buildings require careful planning during renovations. Demolishing old buildings isn’t nearly as cost-effective as one might think. For one thing, structures erected before WWII are made of sturdy materials, such as heart pine, which isn’t as accessible these days. Historic buildings can often be repurposed into business spaces, apartments, and more, placing less burden on the environment and using materials, energy, and time more efficiently. We can breathe new life into old buildings, reducing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Of course, there’s also an aesthetic benefit to restoring and preserving old buildings. The details can be exquisite with ornate features, stained glass, and original terrazzo floors. They’re memorable, distinctive, and full of character.
At Blackrock Industrial, we’re proud to work with old buildings, preserving their integrity and restoring their most beautiful aspects. We offer a variety of flooring services, including the installation of concrete, polished concrete, self-leveling concrete, epoxy, polyurethane, and terrazzo floors. We can ensure your flooring project is budget-friendly and historically accurate while minimizing operational downtime. Contact Blackrock Industrial today to find out more.
