Abramson Brothers Inc. begins restoration of 501 Fifth Avenue - Hires architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson for renovation

Abramson Brothers Inc. has launched renovation plans for 501 Fifth Ave., a limestone building located at the southeast corner of 42nd St. and 5th Ave. Commencing in March, the restoration will unearth the building's original limestone façade and highlight other early 20th century architectural characteristics. 501 Fifth Ave. was built in 1916 by the Astor family, who was once known as the "landlord of New York City." The building was the original headquarters of the Astor Trust Co., the family's private bank, and is located across from the New York Public Library (NYPL). Built in 1910, the NYPL's construction was aided in its creation by the Astor family, and 501 Fifth Ave. shares many of the library's architectural details. However, due to the NYPL's recent renovation, the architectural resonance between the two buildings is overlooked. The most noticeable difference is 501 Fifth's façade; originally clad from top to bottom in limestone, it now features a green-black granite covering at street level that was added in the 1960s. The first step in the restoration process is removing this granite covering to expose and polish the original limestone, creating a uniform appearance as originally intended. "501 Fifth Ave. is a profound physical representation of Old New York," said Alan Abramson, president of Abramson Brothers. Abramson watched the library renovation from start to finish from his office window, and when his son Adam joined the company last year as the third generation of Abramsons to manage the firm, Adam began spearheading the effort to restore the building's original architectural intent. "Because there are not many buildings like this remaining, our goal is to not only restore 501 Fifth's tie to that era, but also to recreate this corner, enhancing it visually for all those passing within its vicinity." Along with the granite removal, the renovation will include restoration of the arched windows - a stylistic trademark of the early 20th century that matches the monumental windows at the NYPL. The entire building will flow in one column-like progression with up-lighting at night to emphasize the design. The marble lobby is also being redesigned to highlight the intricate cast bronze doors, unique to the era and impossible to recreate today. In addition to the physical changes, Abramson Brothers will be restoring the building's name to the Astor Trust Co. Building as a tribute to its original purpose and founders. The new name will then be etched onto the side of the building facing Fifth Ave., as it was when the building was originally constructed. To carry out these plans, Abramson Brothers has enlisted the help of architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the group responsible for Apple's glass storefronts. Known for completing renovations and designs, the group aims to recapture the architectural parallels between 501 Fifth and the NYPL as well as elevate the property's elegance and aesthetics so that it reflects that of the iconic corner on which it sits. "501 Fifth is an illustrious building steeped in history, however that significance has faded as time has passed," explains Adam Abramson. "This work is not just about beautifying a building; rather, it is more about restoring a part of New York City and architecturally preserving an important part of the neighborhood."