Washington Square Arch
The Washington Square Arch in New York City is a triumphal monument honoring President George Washington. Designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White and dedicated in 1895, the arch reflects the ideals of the City Beautiful movement, which aimed to create a unified Classical character in civic monuments. Monumental sculptures were added over the following decades including Washington as Commander-in Chief, accompanied by Fame and Valor by Hermon Atkins McNeil, and Washington as President, accompanied by Wisdom and Justice by Alexander Stirling Calder.
The arch’s Tuckahoe marble exterior began to deteriorate nearly from the time of its installation. Weathering, pollution, water seepage, roosting birds, vandalism, and inappropriate treatments contributed to the widespread deterioration and erosion of the masonry surface, and in some cases complete loss of sculptural elements.
EverGreene was contracted by the New York City Parks & Recreation Architecture Department to conduct a condition assessment, develop treatment plans, and provide oversight during treatment of the Washington Square Arch. Pre-treatment work included a hands-on assessment of the extant conditions, and an evaluation of previous interventions, including major alterations or replacements, as well as the extensive testing and treatment campaigns performed in the 1990s. EverGreene provided a detailed analysis of findings, which included treatment recommendations for all conditions. Recommendations included:
- General cleaning of soiling, debris, and other accretions using detergents and low-velocity micro-abrasion
- Removal of graffiti, paint, or other surface alterations using specialized solvents
- Injection fill of open fissures to reduce the potential for further damage
- Consolidation of highly friable disaggregated elements
- Stabilization of damage elements using injections of low viscosity epoxy and the insertion of stainless steel pins
- Replacement of missing and damaged elements, as well as improper previous repairs; work included dutchman repairs and selective reconstruction of severely deteriorated facial features of the statuary
- Removal and replacement of deteriorated mortar joints
- Installation of lead caps and other waterproofing measures
- Installation of netting over sculptural elements to prevent damage from birds and provide a protective net should any failures of the carvings occur in the future
- Redesigning and replacement of roof membrane and drainage systems.
EverGreene oversaw the implementation of treatments by others, which followed the plans laid out in EverGreene’s original recommendations. The project received awards from the Greenwich Village Historical Society for contributions to the quality of life in Greenwich Village, and a Lucy Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
