Preserving a historic building while bringing it up to modern standards? That’s not easy. But it’s exactly what we pulled off at St. George Tower in Brooklyn.
Eleven massive, arched windows. Two separate floors. And a tight mandate from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
No pressure, right?
A Match Made in Steel
This wasn’t just a typical window replacement. The job was to match the original classic steel windows from the early 20th century—perfectly. That meant exact shape, size, and profile.
But we also had to bring everything up to modern thermal and structural performance. The new units had to work like 2025, but look like 1925.
We custom-manufactured stainless steel-framed windows in two different profiles to ensure an exact architectural match. The goal? Preserve the integrity of the iconic design while delivering better durability, strength, and energy performance.
And yes, Landmarks approved.
Project Snapshot
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Building | St. George Tower, Brooklyn |
| Floors | 25th and 30th |
| Window Type | Monumental arched steel windows |
| Material | Custom-fabricated stainless steel |
| Profiles Used | Two distinct profiles for perfect match |
| Authority | NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Approved |
Why Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is our go-to for high-rise historic restorations like this. Here’s why:
- Corrosion resistance in exposed conditions
- Structural integrity for large spans
- Modern thermal performance
- Sharp aesthetics that match original rolled steel designs
Blending Old School with New Code
This project used a hybrid approach: classic look + cutting-edge fabrication.
Our stainless units were fabricated with:
- True divided lites
- Thermally broken profiles
- High-performance glazing
So you get the slim, industrial lines of the past, but with the performance numbers of the future. Better energy efficiency. No rust. And less long-term maintenance for the building.
More Than Just Windows
At Optimum, jobs like this go way beyond filling an opening. Restoration means respecting the original architecture—even when it’s 30 stories in the air—and still getting the build right the first time.
We engineer, manufacture, and finish every unit in-house, right here in Ellenville, NY. That’s how we keep control over every detail, from welds to powder coating to final glass.
Preserving Landmarks, One Opening at a Time
The St. George Tower window restoration is one of those projects that captures what we’re all about at Optimum:
- Precision manufacturing
- Architectural respect
- Modern performance
- NYC landmark compliance
When history needs a facelift without losing its soul, we’re the ones who get the call.
Because restoring buildings like this?
It’s personal.