The historic 50 Rockefeller Plaza is a 15-story office building located in the cultural and commercial hub of Midtown Manhattan. Constructed in 1938 with an Art Deco style, it is the only building in Rockefeller Center built to the limits of its lot line. The building was designed this way to accommodate its original tenant, the Associated Press, which needed a single undivided newsroom as large as the lot could accommodate.

As a high-rise structure in New York City, 50 Rockefeller Center is required to undergo a façade inspection every five years through the City’s Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP). When Cycle 8 inspections revealed conditions that needed to be addressed, PULLMAN was selected by the owner, Tishman Speyer, to complete maintenance and repairs to keep the structure in safe condition.

The scope of work included limestone façade in-kind panel replacement as well as replacement of coping stone, sealants, and bricks. PULLMAN crews removed and reset coping stones for new flashing waterproofing, provided limestone dutchman, patching and crack repairs. Additionally, the team provided lintel maintenance and mortar repointing interior of parapets.

PULLMAN was on site working during the entire holiday season near the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree which posed some challenges. All work had to be performed at night, and care had to be taken to prevent operations from impacting the bustling holiday crowds. Work was also taking place while a FISP inspection crew was on site surveying the building for the next inspection cycle.

PULLMAN crews were able to expertly navigate the busy site and resolve the issues identified in the façade report. The subsequent Cycle 9 inspection stated that all conditions were successfully addressed, and 50 Rockefeller Plaza was classified as a safe structure.