PS 183 Manhattan

PS 183 Manhattan is a five-story building encompassing 49,000 square feet. The school was built in 1903 and currently serves over 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Nelligan White's design remediates the issue of continued water penetration in the building while preserving and restoring the school's historic character.

As part of the investigatory work for this project, Nelligan White carefully observed, recorded, and mapped exterior and interior damage at the school. Exterior and interior exploratory probes and spray tests were conducted. Laboratory testing of face brick, face brick mortar, backup brick and backup brick mortar for compressive strength, absorption, and chemical composition was requested. Based on our findings, we repaired and replaced bastion caps, parapets, face brick and terra cotta elements running from the top of the windows of the fourth floor and continuing on to the top level.

In addition to prohibiting water penetration into the building, the project is aimed at returning the façade to its original 1904 design. In an effort to maintain a weather-tight building enclosure, the historic character of the building has been altered over the years.

Nelligan White recommended the restoration of the structural and watertight integrity of the building enclosure, particularly the street façade, parapets, and roof. Because the original distinctive features have been removed or altered, replacement of missing features was substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. All considerations were in accordance with SOTI Standards for Rehabilitation and Restoration.

This project was substantially completed in February 2019.

Architectural Staff
Ger Brennan
Kelly Greenfield
Sonny Gonzalez
Shannon Hayes
Jenifer Jessee
Jake LaChapelle
Bruce G. Nelligan
Jonathan Pietro
Nicholas Meier
Nathan Watkins
Monet Walker
Yvette Waweru
Emily Wetherbee

Project Team

Client
New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA)

Structural Engineer
Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineer
Clifford Dias