Pratt Family Mausoleum
Location: Old Tappan Road, Glen Cove, Long Island, NY
Original Architect: William B. Tubby
Date of Construction: 1892-1896
Date of Restoration: 2004-2006
Scope of Work: Stone Restoration, Roofing Replacement, Protective Glazing
The Pratt Family Mausoleum was designed and constructed between 1892 and 1896 in the Romanesque Revival style by one of Brooklyn’s preeminent architects, William B. Tubby. The structure is a masterpiece of stone construction with walls and a pyramidal roof of massive Stoney Creek granite blocks, thin mortar joints, and sculptural ornament carved in situ. The interior of the mausoleum is no less spectacular, with decorative mosaics produced by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Craftsman bronze doors and window grilles complete the enclosure.
In 2004, the Pratt Family engaged Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC to evaluate the condition of the mausoleum and develop a strategy for necessary corrective measures. Careful measured drawings were prepared and exploratory investigations and testing performed. As no historical drawings could be located, an educated assessment of construction techniques and concealed conditions was developed, based upon survey information and familiarity with traditional building methodologies. The mausoleum was found to be in reasonably good condition, but problematic conditions were noted at the interior finishes, edges of roof blocks, and window openings. The primary cause of deterioration was determined to be moisture infiltration and expansion of embedded rusting steel, as evidenced by efflorescence and stone cracking.
In order to address these issues and protect the highly decorative interior mosaics and exterior stone carving, roof stones were removed and reset allowing for maintenance of the concealed steel, waterproofing of the substrate, and the addition of a carefully formed roof drip edge. The resetting of the roof stones was executed with a minimum of new granite material – a major engineering feat as some of these units weighed over 2,400 pounds. Additionally, all of the masonry joints were meticulously repointed to match the original mortar’s properties and color. At the window openings, protective glazing that allowed for ventilation was installed.
The completed work has significantly slowed the deterioration of the highly articulated and meticulously executed surfaces at the Pratt Family Mausoleum. It is anticipated that as additional funds become available a restoration of the interior and original fenestration will be undertaken to ensure that this gem of a structure remains in good condition for another 100 years.
