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Your Park > Monuments > Washington Square Arch Restoration

Text: "Washington Square Arch Restoration"

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CONSERVATION

Photograph of pre-conservation view of Washington as Statesman
A current pre-conservation view of
Washington as Statesman, showing erosion, soiling, and fissures.
(City of New York/Parks & Recreation)


The ravages of time have had their effect on the Washington Square Arch. Not long after the monument was completed, Stanford White observed cracking in the marble, but decided that it was not a significant threat to the structure. For over 60 years, cars and buses ran through the Arch; beginning in 1958, traffic was phased out after protests led by Shirley Hayes and other Greenwich Village activists.

Weathering, pollution, water seepage, roosting birds, vandalism, and inappropriate treatments (including sandblasting and over-painting) contributed to a widespread deterioration of the masonry surface, and to the erosion or loss of sculptural elements. In 1997, the Arch underwent an interim stabilization. Systematic examination of the Arch between 1992 and 1998 revealed crumbling stonework, surface "sugaring," brittle ornament, vegetative growth, and general soiling and decay. These assessments included extensive on-site and laboratory testing of cleaning methods and stone consolidants.

 

 

Photograph of eagle sculpture on south side of the Arch
  
Photograph of rosette on underside of the Arch
The missing right leg of the eagle on the south side will be recarved and replaced.
(City of New York/ Parks & Recreation)
  
An estimated half of the 95 rosettes on
the coffered soffit (underside) of the Arch
have sustained losses, and are being repaired or replaced.


This project will restore the Washington Square Arch to its rightful grandeur. Conservation treatments for the Arch were established based on the recommendations of a panel of experts from here and abroad that was assembled by Parks for consultation. Loose pieces of marble will be secured, detached pieces salvaged by Parks will be reattached, select sculptural and decorative features will be recarved, and fissures filled with an appropriate mortar compound. The statues of Washington will be repaired, using 3-D laser images as models.

Photo of attic space in Washington Square Arch
Photo of spiral staircase n Washington Square Arch
The attic space (left) and the spiral staircase (right) within the west pier will be repaired and relit.
(City of New York/ Parks & Recreation)


The marble masonry is being carefully cleaned using a low-velocity micro-abrasive system, and the Arch is being treated with a chemical consolidant that strengthens the stone and protects against weathering. A new roof will be built. Select joints on the exterior walls will be repointed, and cracks in interior walls repaired. The rusting steel elements of the Guastavino terra cotta tile staircase within the east pier will be replaced.

Photograph of Washington Square Arch, 1987
Washington Square Arch, 1987
(City of New York/
Parks & Recreation)


Efflorescence (surface crystallization of salts) will be removed from the interior brick masonry. Nylon mesh bird proofing will be installed, and the Arch will be fully illuminated.

Concurrent with this restoration,
the City is raising a maintenance endowment fund for the Washington Square Arch.
If you would like to make a donation or participatein this effort, please call 212-360-3410.