I believe they are replacement units of precast concrete (or cast stone), not terra cotta. Concrete does not weather like glazed terra cotta.

Eric Hammarberg, Assoc. AIA
Vice President
Thornton Tomasetti
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
T 917.661.7800 F 917.661.7801
D 917.661.8160
[log in to unmask]

From: The Listserv that makes holes in Manhattan schist for free! [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 1:25 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [BP] Gothic building - terra cotta substitute - color change

The upper floors of the Woolworth Building present an extreme patchwork appearance: the original cream colored terra cotta, mixed with frequent (1 in 10?) replacement patches in a medium gray, which looks like concrete (cement!!).

What were these patches, and why have they changed color so dramatically? Or were they installed in that shade?

Christopher

See what's free at AOL.com.

-- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The information in this email and any attachments may contain

confidential information that is intended solely for the

attention and use of the named addressee(s). This message or

any part thereof must not be disclosed, copied, distributed or

retained by any person without authorization from the addressee.

If you are not the intended addressee, please notify the sender

immediately, and delete this message.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

-- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html