Decorative Terracotta & Stone Repair
Restoring the Ornamental Beauty of NYC Buildings
New York City is filled with ornamental façades that showcase stunning terracotta and decorative stonework. From Beaux Arts buildings in Manhattan to historic landmarks in Brooklyn, these details are more than decoration—they are structural elements and cultural treasures.
Over time, exposure to harsh weather, pollution, and water infiltration causes terracotta and stone to crack, spall, or detach. Left untreated, this deterioration creates serious safety hazards, exposes buildings to Local Law 11 violations, and erodes the architectural character that defines NYC’s skyline.
At MGR Restoration, we specialize in decorative terracotta and stone repair using advanced restoration techniques and historic preservation practices. Our goal is to stabilize, repair, or replicate these elements while preserving authenticity.
From ornamental cornices on Upper West Side townhouses to decorative limestone façades in Midtown commercial buildings, MGR Restoration ensures NYC’s most intricate architectural details are protected, restored, and celebrated.
Got a project in mind? Let’s chat about bringing your construction vision to life!
Understanding Decorative Terracotta & Stone Deterioration
Decorative elements require specialized knowledge because they combine both beauty and functionality. Common issues include:
- Terracotta Damage
- Glaze loss, cracking, or crazing (fine surface cracks).
- Water infiltration behind units causing spalling or detachment.
- Rusting of steel anchors that destabilizes panels.
- Decorative Stone Damage (Sandstone, Marble etc.)
- Surface erosion from acid rain and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Cracking around intricate carvings or cornices.
- Staining from pollutants or corroded metal attachments.
- Safety & Code Risks
- Loose fragments can fall, endangering pedestrians.
- FISP/Local Law 11 inspections often cite decorative failures.
- Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) regulations require historically
accurate repairs.
MGR Restoration offers Repair, Restoration & Preservation of Decorative Stone
Our craftsmen and engineers provide comprehensive terracotta and stone repair services tailored to each building’s material and historic requirements.
- Terracotta Restoration
- Re-anchoring and pinning loose terracotta units for safety.
- Patch repairs using compatible restoration mortars.
- Replication of missing or damaged units using molds and custom fabrication, ensuring identical design and texture.
- Glaze restoration to match original color and finish.
- Decorative Stone Restoration
- Dutchman repairs (cutting out damaged stone and replacing with new matching
stone). - Crack stitching and epoxy injection to stabilize fine details.
- Cleaning and poulticing to remove stains without damaging the stone surface.
- Carving and replication of ornate details by skilled artisans.
- Preventive Protection
- Steel reinforcement repair to stop corrosion behind stone units.
- Waterproofing and sealants to protect porous stone from water penetration.
- Protective coatings that preserve natural appearance while extending durability.
All repairs comply with NYC DOB requirements, Local Law 11/FISP inspections, and LPC landmark guidelines, ensuring safety, code compliance, and architectural authenticity.
Why Choose MGR Restoration?
Repairing decorative terracotta and stone requires a balance of engineering precision and artisan craftsmanship. At MGR Restoration, we bring both to every project.
- Historic Expertise – Decades of experience restoring terracotta cornices, stone carvings, and landmark façades.
- Custom Fabrication – Ability to replicate missing elements with exacting detail.
- Material Matching – Mortars, stones, and finishes are selected to blend seamlessly with originals.
- Code Compliance – All work performed under Local Law 11 and LPC oversight.
- Safety First – Structural stabilization prevents hazards and eliminates DOB violations.