Scope of Work
- Restoration of all windows on the second, third, and fourth floors
- Full restoration of the French rose window at the rear elevation
- Dutch patching of deteriorated sashes
- Sill replacement where necessary
- Reglazing and epoxy wood repairs
- Full sanding, priming, and repainting
Points of Interest
- Restoration of a historically significant French rose window embedded in a modern townhouse
- Full remediation of widespread rot in sashes and sills across all residential levels
- Conservation methods used to extend the life of wood components beyond modern expectations
Challenges
- Extensive rot despite the relatively young age of the home
- Working within tight profiles and contemporary sash designs
- Preserving intricate rose window tracery while reinforcing structure and reglazing
Materials & Techniques
- Materials Used
Original wood sashes and sills, marine-grade epoxy, restoration glass, Benjamin Moore exterior paint - Techniques
Dutch patching, sill replacement, epoxy filling, reglazing, detailed hand sanding and painting - Tools Used
Traditional machinery, custom shaper blades, mortising tools, hand equipment, industrial painting equipment - Waterproofing
Repainted and sealed sashes and sills with all joints and frames primed for moisture resistance - Installation Notes
All restoration completed on site with containment protocols; rose window handled as a stand-alone artifact with focused conservation methods
History of 24 Thompson Street
24 Thompson Street is nestled in the heart of SoHo. It stands out among New York townhouses for its grand proportions. It is also known for its creative pedigree. The townhouse was designed and built in 2001 by Cortney and Robert Novogratz. These celebrated designers are stars of Bravo’s 9 By Design. This five-story, three-level townhouse boasts 15-foot ceilings. It also has a distinct artistic flair.
The building itself is relatively modern. One of its standout features is a rare rose window salvaged from a French church. This intricately detailed window is installed at the back of the home. It serves as a visual centerpiece. It also provides a connection to architectural history. With its pointed tracery, it reflects Gothic design principles. Its traditional circular geometry dates back to the 12th century. These elements are reimagined here in a contemporary context.
Building Information
Type of Building: Contemporary Townhouse with Historic Design Elements
Location: 24 Thompson Street, SoHo, New York, NY
Year Built: 2001 (Window Restoration Completed 2018)
Why the Work Was Needed
Despite being less than two decades old, the home’s original windows were in surprisingly poor condition. Prolonged moisture exposure due to limited sunlight allowed rot to develop in nearly all sashes and sills. This was particularly pronounced in the rear rose window, where detailing and glazing had begun to fail.
The goal was to restore every window in the home. This was done while preserving the historical character and craftsmanship. Particular attention was given to the rose window. It held both aesthetic and symbolic value to the owners.
What We Did
Right Path Windows & Doors began the process with a comprehensive assessment of every window. We quickly discovered extensive rot, particularly in shaded areas where water was able to settle for extended periods. Even windows made with modern materials were vulnerable due to this prolonged moisture exposure.
We used traditional Dutch patching techniques to carefully remove rotted wood. We replaced it with new material. We shaped the new material to match the original profiles exactly. Where necessary, full sill replacements were performed to restore structural integrity. We applied marine-grade epoxy filler to seal cracks and reinforce minor damage.
The highlight of this restoration was the rear rose window. This Gothic-style window was salvaged, despite being part of a modern build. It introduced all the complexities of antique woodwork. Its delicate tracery and layered detailing required intricate hand sanding and careful reglazing. We preserved as much original material as possible and reinforced the frame to restore squareness and function. Each joint, rabbet, and pane received meticulous care. This attention ensures that the unique window will remain a focal point of the home for decades.
All surfaces were then primed and painted using high-performance Benjamin Moore exterior paint to ensure maximum weather resistance moving forward.