A centerpiece in the heart of Albany, the New York State Capitol Building remains a pillar of the community. Originally completed in 1873 after more than three decades of construction, the New York State Capitol Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building blends Renaissance Revival, Romanesque, and Victorian styles throughout the facade. Conceived by several prominent architects, including Thomas Fuller and Henry Hobson Richardson, the Capitol’s central courtyard features an extraordinary open-air passage and restaurant roofed and clad with eye-catching copper.
The Problem
By 2023, the New York State Capitol Building’s central courtyard required updates to its roofing and cladding. Initially crafted more than 120 years ago, the copper elements and membrane roofing were identified for replacement as part of a restoration effort. Bell & Spina Architects-Planners, PC, a Syracuse, New York-based building enclosure design firm, led the project, collaborating with fabricator and installer Greenwood Industries Inc.
Initially crafted more than 120 years ago, the copper elements and membrane roofing were identified for replacement as part of a restoration effort.
The project scope included replacing the existing 4,400-square-foot courtyard roof while maintaining historical accuracy and providing long-term performance. This process involved removing the previous flat roof areas down to the existing brick vaults and addressing areas of water infiltration.
The copper cladding and roofing featured intricate details, including flat seams, standing seams, ornate rosettes, egg-and-dart trim, and scrollwork, which required careful replication. Additionally, all materials, including six tons of copper, were transported through a single entrance without cranes to accommodate site constraints.
The Solution
A 21-month process, this comprehensive $2.6-million project demanded meticulous planning and precise execution. To achieve this remarkable renovation, Greenwood Industries Inc. tapped the roofing specialists at Siplast to honor the building’s rich history while implementing modern roofing solutions to safeguard its future.
Siplast’s Paraflex roof membrane system proved to be an excellent solution for this challenging project. The torch-applied and liquid-applied system provides exceptional waterproofing. A 1.5-inch layer of concrete was poured over the existing brick vaults, followed by a lightweight insulating concrete base layer installed by David Miorelli & Co.
The Siplast Paraflex system was then applied, creating a seamless, monolithic barrier to address the water leakage issues. Afterward, bluestone, granite, and concrete pavers — envisioned by the original architect in 1873 — were followed by the copper cladding, keeping the building’s historic design.
The restored courtyard seamlessly integrates the historical charm of the original design with expert copper craftsmanship and modern functionality. The new roof system replicates the original architect’s vision and helps ensure that the infrastructure remains protected, securing the Capitol Building’s legacy for generations.
