Vince is a contractor, carpenter & architectural conservator with over 40 years experience in the field of historic preservation. He is skilled in project development & management, the assessment of building conditions, the restoration of existing structures, materials analysis, & woodworking. His knowledge of building technology is comprehensive in the area of architectural woodworking. His experience ranges from structural issues to decorative finishes.

Vince received a BA in American History from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey in 1978. From 1979 to 1980, Mr. Lepre was an apprentice at the National Trust for Historic Preservation workshop in Tarrytown, New York. In that capacity, he was involved in restoration work at many of the Trust’s properties.

In 1980, Mr. Lepre enrolled in the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation where he earned an MS in Historic Preservation. While attending classes at Columbia, Vince worked as a carpenter with the Center for Building Conservation. During his tenure there, he had the opportunity to work on the Ward House at the South Street Seaport and other historic properties in New York City. His responsibilities included the documentation of existing conditions, the investigation of building histories, as well as restoration of historic fabric. These experiences all contributed importantly to his growth as a preservationist.

Subsequent to completing course work at Columbia University, Mr. Lepre accepted a contract to participate in the reconstruction of the Frank Lloyd Wright Room in the American Wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Under the direction of master builder Ezra Mills, Mr. Lepre led a team of craftsmen that installed the room, frame to finish. The room is a permanent part of the museum’s collection. Mr. Lepre was also a key participant in the reconstruction of the Greek Revival and the Rococo Revival rooms, both of which also remain part of the museum’s collection of period rooms.

Since 1984, Mr. Lepre has worked on many significant historic properties in the Northeast United States. As the owner of Fifty Three Restorations, he has directed work in museums, churches, synagogues, public buildings, parks and privates homes.

Joe is an experienced manager, estimator, carpenter& mold maker with more than 30 years of experience in his chosen field of architectural restoration. Joe joined Fifty Three Restorations in the summer of 1997 as a line carpenter and has risen to become Fifty Three’s chief estimator and general manager.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Joseph also manages selected projects. His project credits with Fifty Three Restorations are extensive. They include the restoration of the Woolworth family Chapel in Woodlawn Cemetery & an extensive amount of work at the Frick Collection, where he has focused on the restoration of the windows, doors and selected gallery features.

Joe has his hand in almost all the notable projects that Fifty Three Restorations undertakes. His knowledge of building restoration, project organization & development is on par with the highest industry standards.

‍

After growing up in the mountains of North Carolina and the bayous of Louisiana, I went into the US Navy directly from high school and was Honorably Discharged after my enlistment period was completed. I spent much of my twenties traveling and working various jobs searching for a career path that would prove to be my passion. While in New Orleans, I discovered the culinary world and decided to study classical French cuisine. After years in the trenches, I finally made Executive Chef and served in this capacity in various well-known restaurants in several cities for just over 20 years .

In 2014, during conversations with a regular guest at one of my restaurants, I was offered a  job in Construction Management with a fast growing firm located in Manhattan. I spent several years managing numerous projects ranging in value from $18M to $140M, but my quest to find my passion was not yet done. I desired the opportunity to pursue my love of woodworking and began searching for the right opportunity. While doing my research, I discovered Fifty Three Restorations and the many historically significant properties that the firm has worked on, and made a decision to join the team here at FTR.

Since joining this team of skilled craftsmen, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous projects within Central Park, at Gracie Mansion, and many other beautiful homes and properties in the area. I constantly look for ways to expand my hand skills and knowledge of woodworking & restoration work. I will serve your project in the best way possible.

Patrick has been with Fifty Three Restorations for more than 20 years. He began as an apprentice and has advanced to become a master craftsman with a wide range of experience and skills. From shop fabrication to site installations, Pat has developed an impressive array of skills. His areas of expertise include window restoration and installation, hardware repair and replacement and the matching and application of custom finishes. Pat has participated in and directed many of the projects featured in this website including Historic Lazaretto, Belvedere Castle and our work at the Weeksville Historical Society, just to name a few.

Dan has been a woodworker at FTR since 2017. He applies a well-rounded skill set that includes carpentry, finishing, fabrication, installation, lift operation, and project management.

Some notable projects in which Dan has played an integral role include the complete re-fenestration of the De Vinne Press building; the recreation of the original rustic design of the Kinderberg Pergola at the Chess & Checkers site in Central Park; and the restoration of the wooden vestibules of the Haupt Conservatory at the NY Botanical Garden.

Dan’s practical skills in restoration are complemented by his interest in and dedication to history. Prior to working at FTR, he proudly served as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre history from NYU.

Originally from the Pacific northwest, Reilly has a bachelor of arts degree in sculpture from Cornish College of the Arts located in Seattle, Washington. Since moving to New York City in 2014, he has worked as a carpenter in various capacities in both the art world and the traditional trades. Reilly has had the opportunity to work on many historic projects throughout the northeast including the Dakota Apartments, The Lockwood Matthews Mansion, and the Greenwich Historical Society building. In 2020, under the direction of metal conservator Michael Smart, he played an active role in the restoration of the ornamental iron work (attributed to Samuel Yellin) at The Apthorp building on the upper west side of Manhattan. In 2023, Reilly joined the team at Fifty Three Restorations where he has excelled. Without losing his involvement in the hands on aspects of our craft, his role in the firm has expanded to include project management & development. Areas of interest include ecclesiastical architecture, 16^th century geometry and period room reconstruction.

‍

Like many, my career took a few turns before landing in what has proven to be my life’s work. After receiving a master’s degree in early childhood education and spending a few years teaching, I found myself looking for a new opportunity. I then worked at the on-demand delivery startup called Postmates—Now Uber Eats—as a market director. But still, I did not find the work fulfilling, which led me to continue my search for something more aligned with my interests.  

I have been with Fifty Three Restorations for a about 5 years. I began as an apprentice but in time acquired enough of a skill set to be a lead member of a craft team. I have found that working in preservation lets me combine two long-time interests, history and craftsmanship. History has always been a part of my academic career, and I have also always loved the idea of keeping it alive. My work at Fifty Three Restorations allows me to bring new life into historic spaces, which brings both personal satisfaction and the satisfaction of knowing that I have contributed to the preservation of our collective past and provided for the use and enjoyment of those places by others for years to come.

I've been fortunate to participate in some amazing projects such as: Belvedere Castle and the Dairy in Central Park. Our work at The Lotus Club, The Knickerbocker Club, The Cosmopolitan Club, and The Players Club highlight some of the work we have performed for institutions with an enduring history.

From residential to public & commercial buildings, our work at Fifty Three Restorations provides a challenging & fulfilling professional experience for me and our entire team. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you on the preservation of your building.

Hailing from the great state of Louisiana, Mike’s love for historic preservation began in New Orleans where, in 2002, he purchased and renovated an 1880s double shotgun home.

When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, Mike was involved in the restoration and rehabilitation of several structures that suffered damage from that storm. In 2010/2011 he was awarded an apprenticeship in finish carpentry by the Prince Charles Foundation located inLondon, England. The yearlong apprenticeship was based in New Orleans where work was done on many of the Hurricane damaged historic homes.

Arriving in New York City in 2019, Mike has brought with him a love and understanding of historic architectural restoration and has continued to hone his craft with Fifty Three Restorations for the past three years. With his intelligent and thoughtful approach to the work informing his master craftsman skill set, he has become a key team member and an asset for every project to which he is a contributor.

Babak brings a unique creative spirit to our work at Fifty Three Restorations. His prior experience with set building, window display and museum installations include projects at many of the most notable institutions in NYC. Babak’s participation in one of a kind artistically executed projects is wide ranging. These experiences have formed the basis for his growth as a woodworker & finisher.

Babak has been with Fifty Three Restorations for 5 years and has emerged as one of our top finishers, which complements his organizational and woodworking skills. Babak has demonstrated an innate ability to problem solve and execute at a high-level whatever task is set before him.

Eli is Fifty Three’s latest addition to the team. Having grown up in an 1850s farmhouse in Connecticut, his love for historic buildings began at an early age. Eli has a bachelors degree in history and creative writing from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. It was at Hamilton where he began to develop his craft skills, building sets for the theater department. He moved to NYC after graduation and has quickly discovered a passion for historical restoration and woodworking. Eli’s interests include woodcarving, which he is currently studying with an eye toward mastering that aspect of our trade.