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By Aurore Badré, Philanthropic Chair, NWIR NYC Council | Building Science Associate, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) Every building in New York City tells a story, and behind every one of those stories is a person who built it, repaired it, or kept it standing. Not just the engineers and architects whose names appear on drawings, but the roofers, waterproofers, masons, and tradespeople whose hands do the work that holds this city together. The construction and restorat

Executive Summary Local Law 126 is not just a compliance requirement—it is a risk management and capital planning tool. Early inspections, proactive water management, and coordinated repair planning can significantly reduce long-term costs and prevent unsafe conditions Introduction: Why Garages Are Different Parking garages are among the most demanding structures in New York City. They are exposed to constant vehicle loading, vibration, and harsh conditions such as water, dei

The Marriage of Earth and Water and Fire Boston Valley Terra Cotta explores the past, present and future potential of a highly versatile, sustainable, durable and beautiful material. Terra cotta, Italian for ‘baked earth,’ deriving from the Latin Terra Cocta, is a natural clay-based material dating back to ancient civilizations. On the morning of March 5, 2026, a three-person team from Boston Valley Terra Cotta, a global manufacturer of custom architectural façade solutions f

On February 26, 2025, Skyline Restoration welcomed Gladding McBean representatives to their Long Island City campus for a presentation to local restoration professionals. Celebrating 150 years in business, the legacy terra cotta fabricator shared how they’ve integrated new technologies into their traditional processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Jessica Ouwerkerk detailed Gladding’s fabrication workflow—from facade evaluation and site surveys to mold making an