In a message dated 9/20/99 4:23:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

>  What are some really good cleaning projects in the NYC area - and some
really bad ones?

Christopher,

Nextdoor to 24-26 East 95th Street (Diller-Quaile School of Music) there is a
really bad cleaning job going on right now. No-name contractor using acidic
chemicals to clean brick and limestone (not supposed to use acid on
limestone), & they are splashing over onto our recently, and properly,
cleaned brick & limestone work. If you run over quick you might catch them in
the act of not only screwing up their building but their neighbor's building
as well. I very much doubt these folks have an LPC permit. Let me know if you
want to talk to anyone about it.

There is a Church over near us in Brooklyn that was cleaned a few years ago
that ended up with very prominent evidence of acid burning of the brick. If
you need address let me know. Very good example of a bad job.

Having been to the Belnord in the past a few times for practice in estimating
I imagine the cleaning is not first rate. I suspect there may not be a
conservator or preservation experienced architect involved.

A good masonry cleaning job: Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Union Square, both
north and south elevations (disclosure -- we did it). Won several awards.  If
you look at the B &N you will notice areas that look dirty. A "good "
cleaning job stops before damage is done, and therefore the building may not
appear to be really clean clean. The common perception of "clean" is
immaculate in appearance, this is a rare achievement and to best effect if
you start with an already clean building. Dealing with expectations as to,
"What is clean?" is, for me, the most difficult part of a cleaning project.
Before you can settle on good/bad cleaning jobs you have to define clean. A
good cleaning job is one that reveals hidden problems, pleases the customer,
and does not damage the masonry. I think there are more good cleaning jobs in
NYC than otherwise. On the larger buildings the owners tend to be more
cautious & deal w/ quality firms. The bad cleaning job is the exception. My
conjecture is that bad cleaning jobs occur more frequently on townhouses and
smaller projects.

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