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This is my second Skylines article on staged accident fraud and the Scaffold Law and how it is hurting New York construction sites. I have been President of Andromeda for nearly two and a half years now, leading the fight against staged accidents on job sites. Before that, I spent over 34 years conducting and directing high scale federal corruption investigations. Being in that world for so long, plus being a certified fraud examiner, has made me a natural skeptic. I need rea

Safety is not just a priority, it is a responsibility we carry on every project, every day. The work we do comes with inherent risks, and how we prepare for and manage those risks defines who we are as a company. Safety is not just a priority, it is a responsibility Our commitment to safety is rooted in one simple objective, everyone goes home. That outcome depends on planning, awareness, and a shared understanding that no task is too urgent to be done without the right contr

The Barclay Vessey Building, 140 West Street Arcade The Queensboro Bridge Western Underside Vault Space Restoration Retrospective Location: Andromeda Auditorium On November 12, Skyline Restoration hosted two distinguished professionals who brought presentations of their own experiences working with Guastavino Vaults to a diverse group of restoration industry professionals. Each presenter told the attendees about their specific learning curve with the “Cohesive Construction” G

Photo taken by Erica Camille Photography at Skyline's Holiday party at Tao. Skyline Restoration’s annual holiday party brought together colleagues, clients, industry partners and families for a night filled with celebration at Tao Downtown. Set in the heart of New York City, the iconic venue provided the perfect backdrop for an evening that truly reflected Skyline’s culture. It was a chance for everyone to step away from the day to day, enjoy the atmosphere, and spend time wi

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has announced an important safety upgrade for sidewalk sheds. Under Local Law 47 of 2025 (LL47) , which took effect on August 15, 2025, sidewalk sheds must now meet higher lighting standards to improve pedestrian safety and visibility across the city’s streets. PHOTO: GUY/STOCK.ADOBE.COM According to the new regulation, sidewalk sheds with construction documents submitted on or after August 15, 2025 must provide a minimum illum

On November 5, 2025, construction and restoration professionals gathered at Club 101 in Manhattan for the ICRI Metro New York Chapter Dinner Meeting, highlighting major updates in concrete repair standards. The sold-out event focused on ACI 563-25: Specifications for the Repair of Concrete in Buildings , a newly updated document that provides standardized guidance to improve communication and reduce costly errors in concrete repair projects. Presenters Marjorie Lynch, PE,

The Restoration of the Convent of the Sacred Heart’s Landmark Houses The Convent of the Sacred Heart School, located on Upper East Side of New York City is comprised the former Otto Kahn House (1 East 91st Street) and neighboring James A. Burden House (7 East 91st Street) . Photo: Convent of the Sacred Heart The Otto Kahn House is a five story, Neo-Italian Style building constructed between 1914-1918 in St. Quentin limestone , sourced from St. Quentin, France. Similarly, i

Inside New York’s Fight Against Scaffold Law Fraud By Andriana Vamvakas, CFE President, Andromeda Advantage "The first time the pattern stopped feeling like coincidence I knew that something larger was at work." After 34 years as a federal investigator I followed paper trails, exposed networks, and helped secure indictments and convictions in fraud cases that involved millions of dollars. As a certified fraud examiner, I have been trained to trust patterns and to remain a nat

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding property owners that the next major deadline for the Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) is fast approaching. Photo: Bumble Dee - stock.adobe.com Owners of parking structures located in the Upper East Side, Upper Manhattan, and Brooklyn must submit their required PIPS engineering reports by December 31, 2025. This deadline marks the second cycle of the city’s phased inspection program, established to

HOW IIBEC METRO NY’S 2025 SYMPOSIUM BROUGHT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO THE HEART OF THE BUILDING-ENCLOSURE INDUSTRY On September 17, 2025, Civic Hall became the center of innovation as the IIBEC Metro New York Chapter hosted its first-ever “Building Smarter with AI” Symposium, a sold-out event drawing architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and students eager to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping construction and façade restoration. “Our goal was to d

Local Law 47 of 2025 (LL47) , effective August 15, 2025, raises the required minimum clear ceiling height for new sidewalk sheds from 8 feet to 12 feet. The change applies to all sidewalk shed construction documents submitted on or after August 15. Existing sheds do not need to be modified. The higher clearance aims to improve visibility, accessibility, and the overall pedestrian experience while maintaining safety during construction and façade work. The law allows flexibili

On October 1st, Skyline Restoration proudly hosted the 2nd Annual Demo Day: Plaza Waterproofing Edition , presented in collaboration with the ICRI Metro New York Chapter and the National Women in Roofing - NYC Council (NWIR). From live demos to expert-led presentations, attendees got an up-close look at plaza waterproofing systems, inverted roof assemblies, and expansion joint transitions—a hands-on experience that brought technical insight to life. A big thank-you to all

The NYC Department of Buildings has introduced expanded color options for sidewalk sheds and solid construction or demolition fences under Local Law 47 of 2025 (LL47) , effective August 15, 2025. Previously, these protective structures were required to be hunter green, with limited allowances for white. PHOTO: SPRING SCAFFOLDING Local Law 47 now authorizes three standard colors—hunter green, metallic gray, and white—for all sidewalk sheds and fences. For existing buildings (

A behind-the-scenes look at how engineers safely restored the viaduct ceiling under Park Avenue’s historic Helmsley Building. The Park Avenue Viaduct, one of Midtown Manhattan’s busiest roadways, runs through the base of the 35-story Helmsley Building. Since the ceilings of the two arched tunnels are part of the 35-story Beaux-Arts building’s exterior wall system, they are subject to compliance with New York City’s Façade Inspection and Safety Program regulations. - PHOTO: AL

With nearly $328,000 raised, the 2025 Annual Golf Classic by The Skyline Charitable Foundation showcases the power of partnership, philanthropy, and perseverance — all under the summer sun. PHOTOS: THANASSI KARAGEORGIOU Clockwise from top left: VFW Post 1819 of Port Washington members perform a rifle salute for the fallen; Golfers watch the ceremony that precedes the tee-off each year; Closest to The Pin winner Rygo Foss, Esq., board member, TSCF with Shana McCormick, executi

Updated guidebook, enhanced landmark maps, and new archaeology database improve access to preservation resources. Image: NYC.GOV On June 27, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) announced the launch of new and updated resources to help the public more easily access agency information and navigate the permitting process. The updated LPC Permit Guidebook: How to Get Staff-Level Approvals provides step-by-step guidance for submitting complete, accurate applications,

On the calm waters of the Long Island Sound, the Island Current set sail at sunset on Friday, June 13, 2025, carrying with it the spirit of tradition, camaraderie, and remembrance. PHOTO: SKYLINE RESTORATION Now in its 27th year, the annual Bill Pierrakeas Evening Fishing Trip brought together Skyline Restoration employees, clients, vendors, and friends for a night of fishing, food, and memories. Organized in honor of Bill Pierrakeas—Skyline Restoration’s beloved co-founder

On April 19, 1965, New York City made history when Mayor Robert F. Wagner signed the Landmarks Law—legislation born from the loss of the original Pennsylvania Station and a growing public call to protect the city’s architectural and cultural identity. Sixty years later, that law has grown into one of the most robust municipal preservation programs in the country. New York Mayor Wagner signing the Landmarks Law on April 19,1965. — Photo: The New York Preservation Archive Proje

An award-winning restoration uncovers a hidden 20th-century roofing system—and a modern solution forged through collaboration. The headquarters of the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York, located in Manhattan, is a five-story building of brick, limestone, and cast stone, designed in the Colonial Revival style by architect Richard Henry Dana, Jr. — Photo: Li/Saltzman Architects Honored with four awards: • 2025 Lucy G. Moses Award from the New York Landm

Legislation sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, directs the DOB to recommend new sidewalk shed designs by September 30, 2025. Council Member Keith Powers during a press conference on taking down sidewalk sheds. — Photo: William Alatriste/NYC Council Media Unit In a significant move to reshape New York City’s streetscapes and address long-standing safety concerns, on March 26, 2025 the City Council passed a sweeping package of legislation aimed at reforming sidewalk she