Building envelope projects, by definition, entail controlling the flow of water—minimizing its impact on roofs and facades by excluding or directing it.

For “Throwback Thursday,” we’re revisiting a project involving control of MASSIVE amounts of water: our work on five buildings associated with the New Croton Aqueduct, which has supplied water to New York City since 1890.

SUPERSTRUCTURES, as a consultant to contractor Minelli Construction Co., provided materials conservation services for the restoration of the granite masonry structures housing the system’s relieving shafts that vent air and allow access to the water conduit below ground for inspection, cleaning, and repairs.

Our work involved specification of mortar types, colors, and mixes, cleaning methods and materials, and repair methods and materials.

This project represented yet another welcome opportunity to help restore an essential component of the city’s infrastructure.