Manhattan Sentinels

The Manhattan Sentinels (1993–1996) by sculptor Beverly Pepper are located at Federal Plaza in downtown Manhattan. Commissioned by the U.S. General Services Administration’s Art in Architecture Program, the cast iron sculpture—comprising four totemic forms reaching up to 39 feet—was installed in 1996.

In 2020, EverGreene was contracted by Volmar Construction, Inc. to assess the sculpture’s condition prior to relocation. The assessment included documenting the orientation of each element, evaluating risks associated with removal, and generating reference materials to guide deinstallation and reinstallation. EverGreene obtained drone-mounted 3D scans to provide point cloud and AutoCAD drawings for precise reassembly. Our conservators supervised the logistically complex removal, rigging, and transport to storage, then performed periodic inspections during the three-year storage period.

In 2023, EverGreene conservators performed cleaning treatments before reinstallation. The work involved removing surface corrosion including detailed cleaning of heavily soiled areas; rust scaling from the flanges and interiors, and application of a protective anti-corrosion inhibitor. Our conservators then supervised the sculptures reinstallation and provided the final documentation report. All conservation work was reviewed and coordinated with General Service Administration representatives.