Woolworth Building Renovation Precast Concrete Used for Terra Cotta Facade

Abstract

T he decision to use precast concrete for the renovation of the 53-story terra cotta facade of the Woolworth Building was based on the results of extensive accelerated weathering tests. Alternate materials were studied because of the high cost and limited availability of terra cotta replacement units. In the early 1900's, when the Woolworth Building was constructed in New York City, terra cotta was the in vogue material for building facades. The hand-molded clay units easily reproduced the rich ornamentation being demanded by the architects of the day, and the ceramic glazed surfaces on the units could be produced to simulate natural stones or to create whole new ranges of color never before available. Architectural tastes changed, however, and as elaborate ornamentation began to be forsaken in favor of the smoother cleaner look of modern architecture, most of the terra cotta manufacturers either went out of business or turned their attention to the production of bricks or other clay items. In 1981, when a large number of replacement units were needed for the renovation of the Woolworth Building, only one manufacturer could be located. The 792 ft (241 m) high Woolworth