Preserving Upstate New York's Glass Block Heritage
Upstate New York has a rich inventory of historic commercial and institutional buildings — factories, schools, municipal buildings, churches, and commercial blocks — many of which feature original glass block installations from the 1930s through the 1970s. These installations are part of the architectural character of these buildings and deserve careful treatment.
Restoring historic glass block is different from standard replacement. The goal is to preserve the character of the original installation — matching unit sizes, patterns, and mortar profiles as closely as possible while bringing the installation back to serviceable condition. This requires sourcing period-appropriate materials, using compatible mortar formulations, and executing the work with care.
Hawkeye has experience with historic glass block restoration. We work within the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and can coordinate with historic preservation consultants and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) requirements.
Applications
Where We Work in This Sector
Historic Schools & Universities
Restoration of original glass block in historic school buildings — matching original materials and methods to preserve the character of these important community buildings.
Municipal & Civic Buildings
Careful restoration of glass block in historic city halls, courthouses, and civic buildings — working within preservation standards.
Historic Industrial Buildings
Glass block restoration in historic factory and industrial buildings being converted to new uses — preserving original character while meeting current performance requirements.
Historic Churches
Restoration of original glass block in historic church buildings — matching original materials and respecting the character of sacred spaces.
Commercial Historic Districts
Glass block restoration in historic commercial buildings in downtown districts — maintaining the architectural character of historic streetscapes.
SHPO & Preservation Coordination
Coordination with State Historic Preservation Office requirements and historic preservation consultants for projects requiring regulatory review.
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Historic Building Glass Block Consultation
Tell us about your historic building and the condition of the existing glass block. We'll assess the situation and provide a restoration recommendation.
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