Scope of Work
Our assignment was clear yet complex—rebuild and install fixed mahogany sashes and doors that matched historic profiles, while incorporating high-performance glazing and hardware preparations that meet today’s performance standards.
Highlights included:
- Solid mahogany window sashes and fixed panels
- Historically profiled beveled frames and rails
- Dual-glazed insulated glass with Argon gas for thermal efficiency
- Painted exterior finish using Benjamin Moore Regal Exterior Moorglo
- Hardware prep and aluminum thresholds for entry points
- On-site demolition, installation, brick molding, and sealing
Materials & Techniques
- Materials Used
Solid Sapele mahogany, 1″ IGU glass, aluminum thresholds, SDL grids - Techniques Used
Custom millwork, historic profile milling, field install with weatherproofing - Finishes
Benjamin Moore PRIME LOCK Plus primer, Regal Exterior Moorglo top coats - Installation Notes
One-time mobilization, demolition, rubber flashing, custom brick moldings, caulk joints - Hardware
Prep and install coordination with other trades; doors cut for weatherstrip & thresholds
History: Tradition Meets Craft
In the heart of Brooklyn, the Mary McDowell Friends School carries forward a Quaker tradition of education, inclusion, and community. Housed within historic structures that reflect the architectural integrity of the neighborhood, preserving this character is paramount. Right Path Windows & Doors, under the direction of Paul Mulcahy, was brought in to restore and replicate essential storefront components—ensuring both form and function aligned with the school’s values and aesthetic legacy
What We Did for Mary McDowell Friends School
- Upper and Lower Sashes were constructed with solid 2.25″ fixed sash sections and milled to replicate the original architectural details.
- Gridded Sashes: At certain locations, SDL (Simulated Divided Lite) grids were applied, giving the appearance of multi-lite originals while housing modern glass technology.
- Glazing Units: All glass was 1″ overall IGU, utilizing 1/4″ clear tempered panes separated by 1/2″ Argon-filled spacers for superior insulation.
- Doors: Mahogany doors were fabricated with 8” bottom rails and 5.25” top/sides, historically beveled with 2-panel configurations and 4-lite SDL glass.
- Hardware Coordination: Doors were fully prepped for hardware by others, with a $1,500 allowance incorporated for installation.
- Installation: Included rubber flashing, caulking, and integration with brick and masonry surfaces. Work was carefully sequenced with other trades.
Final Word
Restoration is never just about replacing wood and glass, it’s about preserving purpose. At Mary McDowell Friends School, we didn’t just rebuild a façade, we respected the story it tells. Under Paul Mulcahy’s stewardship, our team turned high-spec drawings into handcrafted results, restoring dignity and warmth to this academic cornerstone of Brooklyn.