Rehabilitating New York’s Historic Schools

New York City’s public school system includes over 1,600 properties that house public schools, charter schools, and support facilities. These buildings are the heritage of perhaps the greatest public school system in history, and certainly one of the largest portfolios of historic buildings in the country. Over half of these buildings are old enough to be considered eligible for listing as historic properties under New York State’s Historic Preservation Laws. Independently, many of them are NYC Landmarks or are located in Landmark Districts.

As part of its duties as steward for these buildings, the NYC School Construction Authority has commissioned Nelligan White Architects to prepare a history and guide to rehabilitation of its public schools. The guide will provide readers with an overview of the history of these buildings and practical information for professionals and builders involved in their preservation and rehabilitation.

Speakers: 
Albert Aronov, AIA, Principal, RKTB 
Matthew Cronin, Firm Associate and Studio Director, Superstructures Engineers and Architects
Emily Wetherbee, Assoc. AIA, Studio Leader and Project Manager, Nelligan White Architects

Moderator: Bruce Nelligan, AIA, Prinicpal, Nelligan White Architects

Albert Aronov, AIA, joined RKTB after completing his Bachelors of Architecture degree at The City College of New York School of Architecture and Environmental Studies. Aronov has managed a range of projects at RKTB including academic, residential, commercial, and historic preservation. He has led the education studio since 2004, supervising a large volume of projects for NYCSCA, and recently oversaw the execution of two major additions to P.S. 29 and P.S. 70 in Queens. His high level of technical knowledge in exterior envelope work makes him an expert in the field. Aronov is a member of the AIANY Education Committee.

Matthew Cronin has been with Superstructures Engineers and Architects since 2002. He has managed projects that encompass all components of building envelope restoration from brick and stone masonry to contemporary curtain wall systems, roofs, windows, sidewalk vaults and ADA compliance. Many of his restoration projects have been honored with the prestigious Lucy G Moses Award for excellence in historic preservation. Prior to joining the firm, Cronin held a position at Wilke Architects & Engineers.

Emily Wetherbee, Assoc. AIA, is a Studio Leader and Project Manager for Nelligan White Architects. In this position, Wetherbee leads a studio team of five designers and is currently managing the design of a new steam pressure reduction valve (PRV) station for NYC Housing Authority’s Baruch Houses.  In addition, Wetherbee is a faculty member at Parsons the New School for Design, where she teaches a course on Sustainable Systems and Climate Change. 

Bruce Nelligan, AIA, has 35 years of architectural experience and currently serves as Principal-in-Charge at Nelligan White Architects. In this role, Nelligan has overseen more than 250 public, private and commercial projects, the majority of which have been for NYC Housing Authority, NNYCSCA, NYC Department of Design and Construction, State Office of General Services and Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. NYCSCA has retained Bruce Nelligan and Nelligan White Architects to prepare a history and guide to rehabilitation for its historic schools.