This panel will discuss why terracotta may get a bad rap in many of New York’s historic buildings. It will review how the NYC Department of Buildings differentiates one building material from another: how crumbling terracotta may compare to the deterioration of other building facade materials. The panel will review new terracotta installations and the evolution to stainless steel anchors. Should steps and incentives be taken to encourage building owners to preserve terracotta? What would be the value if the city were to encourage this maintenance? Finally, what can be done to educate current and new generations about terracotta and other historic ornamentation?
