Identify what should remain
Start with the architectural features of concern and document what is present before deciding what can be repaired or refinished.
Residential architectural woodwork · New York City
Historic Home Restoration in New York City
Historic homes often contain woodwork and architectural details that are difficult to replace without changing the character of the space. Fifty Three Restorations helps New York City property owners assess and restore historic wood windows, doors, staircases, millwork, finishes, and other architectural woodwork.
Request a consultation
A feature-by-feature scope
Choose the work based on the material
The right approach depends on the condition of each feature. Some components may be repaired and refinished; others may require custom fabrication or reconstruction to match the original profile and dimensions. The goal is to develop a scope that respects surviving material and the home’s architectural details.
Match the method to the feature
Windows, doors, staircases, millwork, and finishes each require a scope that responds to their condition and details.
Confirm review requirements
If the property is landmarked or within a historic district, confirm the applicable review requirements before work begins.
Residential project work
Historic home restoration examples
These Brooklyn projects illustrate different decisions: reconstructing an entry where the exterior doors and transom could not be restored, and integrating new stair parts into an existing 19th-century home staircase.
Reconstruction of the Front Entry to a Brownstone
The exterior doors and transom could not be restored, so the entry was reconstructed using historic profiles and dimensions. Surviving vestibule woodwork and doors were restored.
View project
Brownstone Staircase Restoration
New stair parts were integrated into an existing staircase that had experienced significant damage, then the staircase was restored and refinished.
View projectWhere we serve
Historic homes across New York City
Based in Long Island City, Fifty Three Restorations works with New York City property owners on architectural woodwork, custom fabrication, and period reconstruction. This service scope is not whole-building general contracting.
ManhattanBrooklynQueensThe BronxStaten Island
Related services
Related historic restoration work
Some historic properties need scopes focused on a particular building type or exterior wood feature. These pages explain those related services.
Historic Church Restoration in New York City
Historic architectural woodwork and related features, scoped around the condition of each element and the building’s use.
Explore church restorationHistoric Façade and Exterior Woodwork Restoration
Wood windows, doors, cornices, shutters, and entry details, with scope limited to architectural wood elements.
Explore exterior woodworkStart a conversation
Discuss your historic home’s woodwork
Share the property location, the features you are concerned about, and any known preservation requirements to begin discussing the right scope.
Request a consultation