Richmond County Courthouse

The grand Richmond County Courthouse, envisioned by Staten Island's first post-consolidation borough President George Cromwell, stands as a testament to the borough's impressive civic center plans. Designed by renowned architects Carrere and Hastings, the courthouse, completed in 1919, features a temple-fronted façade with six majestic Corinthian columns. The original design called for a grand staircase leading up to the portico, constructed with granite and bluestone landings transitioning to Indiana Limestone.

Due to the onset of World War I, the construction of the courthouse faced delays and budget constraints, resulting in the use of limestone for the base and stairs instead of granite. Over time, the softer limestone deteriorated, rendering the stairs unusable and in need of restoration. The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) entrusted CTA with the task of rejuvenating the stairs to their former glory.

Beginning in early 2019, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of the conditions, clearing decades of accumulated debris and revealing a fragile and deteriorated structure. Collaborating with structural engineers at Silman, the team designed new footings and a reinforced structure to support continuous waterproofing. Archival research by CTA confirmed the original intention of granite, and this information, along with diligent efforts from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), resulted in approval for new granite and bluestone stair treads, rectifying the cost-cutting measures from the wartime era. 

Working closely with the DDC's Historic Preservation office and LPC staff, CTA selected a pale warm pinkish-gray granite from rural Georgia, fabricated in central Massachusetts, ensuring the authenticity of the restoration. Additional restoration work included rebuilding the areaway wall along Schuyler Street, installing new limestone copings, and adding a period-appropriate fence. The project was completed with the installation of replica light fixtures inside the portico and new bronze railings at the center of the stairs, adhering to historical documentation. The results of the restoration are stunning, faithfully bringing back the grandeur of the original staircase with a far more durable material.