Location: Amsterdam Avenue between West 116th and 118th Streets, New York, NY
Landmark Status: NYC Individual Landmark, National Register of Historic Places
Original Architect: McKim, Mead & White
Date of Construction: 1926-1927
Date of Restoration: 2023-2024
Scope of Work: Clay Tile Roofing Restoration, Copper Roofing Restoration, Limestone Restoration, Terra Cotta Restoration, Facade Cleaning, Wood Window Repairs
Casa Italiana is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, just outside the boundaries of the original Columbia University campus. The building was constructed in 1926-27 through the combined efforts of the Italian diaspora locally and abroad to establish a dedicated center for Italian studies in the United States. It was designed by University architect and renowned firm McKim, Mead & White in the neo Renaissance style. Its low-hipped clay tile roof, limestone façade with arched windows, and terra cotta cornice reflect a modern interpretation of the Italian palazzo style. Casa Italiana’s cultural and architectural importance earned both NYC individual landmark designation and listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Almost 100 years after its construction, on-going leaks and advanced deterioration throughout Casa Italiana’s original roofing system prompted the University to commission an exterior restoration and retain WBMA to facilitate this endeavor. Archival research, including MM&W’s building specifications and correspondence, combined with up-close building surveys and technical discussions with Ludowici Roof Tile led WBMA to recommend the full, in-kind replacement of the clay tile and batten seam copper roofing. Midway through project development, the University’s historic preservation team recognized the opportunity that full access and protection around the building would afford in maintaining the rest of the exterior envelope and accordingly expanded the project. Comprehensive terra cotta, limestone and brick repairs; localized masonry cleaning; and wood window repairs throughout completed the effort.
In addition to its architectural and technical merits, the restoration of Casa Italiana celebrates the major contributions of immigration groups in the United States and the history of the Italian American community in New York, as captured in Casa Italiana’s architectural features and permanently inscribed in its façade: “Italy, Mother of Arts, thy hand was once our guardian and is still our guide.”
Photo credit: Bilyana Dimitrova
Ana Felisa Viaña has worked on the preservation and restoration of historic buildings at WBMA since 2016. As a Senior Project Manager, she performs field surveys, produces construction drawings and project manuals, and during construction, conducts site meetings and inspections to see projects through to completion. Ana is adept at custom detailing and has experience with a board range of traditional materials. Award-winning projects she has worked on include the exterior and interior restoration of Columbia University’s St. Paul’s Chapel and Green-Wood Cemetery’s Historic Chapel, as well as the exterior restoration of 34 Gramercy Park East, the oldest operating residential co-op in NYC. Other current projects include the restoration of The Art Students League of New York and The Osborne. Ana is a graduate of Cornell University and New York University.
