Copper is being used to clad, adorn and embellish architecture across North America, bringing bold features and bright color to numerous buildings. The red metal?s inherent properties also bring durability and protection to these projects. Copper can protect a building from the elements, is corrosion-resistant and can withstand extremely temperatures.
New York City residents are familiar with a multitude of historic copper buildings around the area, including the beautifully aged patina on the Plaza Hotel and the large bronze doors of St. Patrick?s Cathedral.  Both landmarks are listed on the national registry of historic places. In the last few years, however, copper has come to town in a new way with some stunning, modern designs. Check out the three buildings below, each of which was honored with a North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) Award in 2017 by the Copper Development Association.
1) 31 East 74th Street
Recently, six historic NYC brownstones and two townhouses were purchased from the Whitney Museum and remade into a boutique mixed-use property. The brownstones were transformed into 10, three-to-five bedroom residences. Copper was used because it was the original material on the building. It was also chosen for the benefits of longevity, ease of fabrication and the fact that it ages beautifully as it turns patina green over time. The restoration was not without its complications; five of the six brownstones date from the 1890’s. Their redevelopment ...