Project Type: Historical Landmarks
51 Madison ‐ New York Life Building
This building, constructed in 1928, is registered as a national, state and city landmark. It is the most prominent insurance company building constructed between World War I and the Great Depression and was also the last signature home office building constructed for an insurance company in New York City. Clad in white limestone and topped by a golden pyramid roof, this massive 40‐story tower (thirty‐four stories plus the six‐story crown) occupies a full city block adjacent to Manhattan’s Madison Square Park.
RSI has provided design and oversight in 2017 for the top two floors that tie‐into ornamental features just below the gold crown. This is where visitors are brought to see the city from a unique vantage-point. In 2006 the same service was provided to the 26th floor large chiller roofs. This upcoming year will see a full transformation of the 14th floor roofs into a vegetative roof system. NYL wants their employees to experience an environment conducive to creativity and a better quality of life.
RSI performs roof management functions for all of New York Life’s facilities and specifications when needed for roof replacement.
Project Location: New York, NY
Project Time Frame: 2006 - present
Scope of Work: Design & oversight
Roofing Contractor: RSI
Roof System: Chiller and vegetative roofs
Unique Benefit: An environment conducive to creativity and a better quality of life.
![By Elisa.rolle (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.rsiresults.com/wp-content/uploads/Fred_F._French_Building_01-1024x685.jpg)
Fred F. French Company
As with many of our Manhattan projects, the work was conducted at night and could not disturb occupants. This 38-story skyscraper was built in 1927 and is considered one of the richest architectural landmarks in the city. A must see for anyone who is interested in Art Deco and true grandeur from the 1920’s. The historical society restrictions on this building were strict and enforced.
Historical writer Mr. Carter B. Horsley states, “Although deserved praised for its rich and intriguing decoration, this setback skyscraper is perhaps most interesting for the color of its masonry above its limestone and bronze base: a warm orange, highlighted by deep red and black trim at its setbacks. The orange hints fiery sunsets, which, of course, are emblazoned on its large friezes on the north and south facades of its flat crown, as shown above. The color is quite appealing, but surprisingly has been rarely imitated and has survived the city’s grit well.”
Roof Solutions is proud to have been selected to perform the design and monitoring work for the roofs at this internationally renowned building.
Project Location: New York, NY
Project Time Frame: 2001 - 2002
Scope of Work: Design & monitor application of new roof to this 1927 historical building
Roofing Contractor: Arrow Construction
Roof System: Siplast modified bitumen
Unique Benefit: Numerous set backs and historical society challenges.