Our Process

PS 109 was built in 1898 during a time when 'idealism' was deemed important in public education. The "neo-Gothic palace" with its steeply, pitched roofs, gargoyle statues, copper roof turrets and Tudor arches give the building a glamorous presence on E 99th Street. Throughout the 20th Century, the building deteriorated until it was abandoned by the Department of Education in the 1990's.

The school sat abandoned for 15 years until Artspace bought the building. Artspace is a non-profit organization that provides spaces which are designed for a live/work environment, structured for artistic collaboration and inspiration. The firm chosen to design and oversee the restoration was Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects in Buffalo, NY. They collaborated with Wilson Morales Architect of Brooklyn on the design aspects of the project.

90 loft units were created with the General Contractor, Monadnock Construction, Inc., who has been in business for over 40 years in Brooklyn. The project won six awards highlighting the attention to detail on the restoration from all involved. Part of the design was the restoration of large glass block stairwell walls, stretching to the top of the building on the East and West elevations. There were also new glass block and steel skylights drawn in at various locations in the North and South courtyards. For supply and install of these products, Monadnock retained GBA Architectural Products + Services.

GBA knows the importance of preparation for these unique jobs. The submittal process led to product options being determined to best resemble the original design on the stairwells. With our large inventory of glass block, this was made easier. The products chosen were 12" x 12" x 4" clear glass block units. The skylights were to be fabricated of a white, powder coated steel frame and glazed with 8" x 8" glass pavers. The prefabricated system was brought to the site in completed sections and set in place with mobile equipment. GBA's preparation before arriving on site made for a smooth installation process. The glass block in the stairwells and the skylights in the courtyards provided maximum light transmission to interior spaces, perfectly meeting the architects design vision.

What Customers Say

"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company

"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C

"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler

"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting

"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors

El Barrios Artspace

Our Process

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Main Street Station Gallery

Bring Privacy and Natural Light Together with Glass Blocks

What Customers Say