Scope of Work
- Fabrication and installation of five custom mahogany storefronts on Lenox Avenue.
- Corner integration of storefront doors and windows along 129th Street
- Inclusion of upper panels to accommodate existing second-story stone corbels
- Use of curved sash profiles to match existing masonry radius details
- Full hardware, glazing, and painting for a finished commercial façade
Points of Interest
- Operable transoms to maintain historic character
- Intricate integration of buzzer and electrical systems into the central commercial entry
- Structurally engineered 16” cantilevered storefront window projection with concealed steel support
Challenges
- Coordination between carpentry and electrical for entry system functionality
- Maintaining LPC-approved profiles while integrating modern insulated glass and hardware
- Balancing structural support with aesthetic appearance in the glass projection area
Materials & Techniques
- Materials Used
Sapele mahogany, 1” IGU, solid brass hardware, exterior paints - Tools Used
Traditional machinery, custom shaper blades, mortising tools, hand equipment, industrial painting equipment - Waterproofing
Copper panning, soldered flashing, integrated concealed membranes - Installation Notes
Brick-to-brick installation for doors and windows; concealed steel for glass projection; buzzer system integration
History
Built in 1915 in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, the Gabay Building is a two-story commercial structure known for its classic early 20th-century design. Over time, changes to its storefronts obscured much of its historic character. Right Path Windows & Restoration was contracted to fabricate and install a new two-story custom wood storefront system that accurately reflected the building’s original architecture, in coordination with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Building Information
Type of Building: Historic Commercial Storefront
Location: East 20th Street, New York, NY
Year Built: 1915
Why the Work Was Needed
The original storefronts had aged out of both visual appeal and performance. The building owners wanted a refreshed yet cohesive look that would honor the historical integrity of the façade while enhancing street presence and storefront usability.
What We Did
We fabricated a full two-story wooden storefront from Sapele mahogany, chosen for its workability and finishing quality. The entry system featured three oversized sets of double doors, each 10 feet tall and 2¼” thick, glazed with 1″ insulated glass. The side doors provided access to a restaurant, while the center door serviced the upper-floor commercial tenants and was integrated with a buzzer entry system—requiring detailed coordination with the electrical team.
The second-floor casement windows and operable transoms were fabricated with 1” Low-E insulated wavy restorer glass to preserve the original appearance while improving energy performance.
The first-floor display windows were supported by a tubular steel frame that extended 16” from the building face. Custom-designed corbels were installed to conceal this structure and give the impression of a floating, cantilevered storefront.
To ensure long-term durability, we applied comprehensive weatherproofing, including copper panning and soldered flashing at all vulnerable joints.