What's Going to be Done?
Two things. First, we will make sure the building's exterior is sealed from water, and make improvements that include pointing, removal and resetting of coping stones, lintel work, balcony repairs, and caulking.
Second, we will replace your windows.

How Long Will the Work Last?
About three months; we expect it to conclude by the end of November. Rain temporarily stops the work, and unexpected problems can delay any construction project, including ours. On the other hand, a dry spell can hasten the completion.

When Will My Windows be Replaced?
The process is nearly complete. If you have any concerns about the installation, please contact Bud right away.





Q: Some of the plaster around my window was cracked when my windows were replaced. Who will repair it?
A: The co-op will hire a plasterer to smooth over the rough edges from the window replacement. If you have tiles that were removed or are now loose, they will be reattached by Bud. Requests for changes to molding must be made before Wednesday, October 22, so that Ecker can make the fixes. After Friday, October 24, molding repairs will be your responsibility. -October 17

Q: If I want my air conditioner removed but not re-installed (to store it for the winter), is the price different?
A: Yes, it's only $25. The fee still must be paid in advance. Please visit with Bud for payment details. -September 24

Q: Is my window installation still on for the day I requested?
A: Once the dates are decided upon, they are posted above. If your date changes, you will be contacted directly and it will be noted on this page. -September 17

Q: Can I request a specific day to have my windows installed (or to make sure they're not installed a specific day)?
A: Yes. At least a week in advance you'll get an e-mail asking your preferred day. We have some flexibility, but in general will install your windows only after the windows on the apartment above you have been installed. -September 16

Q: Can I have my original moldings replaced?
A: Yes. Be sure to inform the crew before they begin work that you would like them to save and replace your original moldings. Be aware that in some cases, moldings are covered in decades-old plaster, which is extremely brittle and is likely to break. In other cases, moldings are 50 years old (and in others, 101 years old) and may already be damaged.-September 14

Q: Can the window crew remove my air conditioners for me?
A: No. Their contract specifically excludes doing such work because the city requires a license to remove and install window a/c units. Please see "Removing Your Air Conditioners," above, for suggestions. -September 12

Q: Can I opt out of having my windows replaced?
A: No. Part of the reason the windows are being replaced is to improve the seal around the building, which protects the bricks and stone from the elements, reducing the chance of a leak into your downstairs neighbors. Replacing your windows makes the building weather-tight. We will replace them all to improve the entire building. And to give you clean, clear views. What's more, you already paid for them. Everyone will get new windows. -September 11

Q: What is the procedure if a worker damages my apartment?
A: Point out the damage to Bud and the crew chief as soon as you notice the problem. If you can, take photographs. Some things can be repaired right away. Others cannot. In those cases, we ask for your patience. -September 10



Earlier Updates



Laundry renovation: The old machines will be removed today as the renovation process starts. Naturally, you won't be able to wash your clothes for the next few days. -9:03 a.m., November 10

Courtyard repair: A construction crew rigged a movable scaffold in the courtyard on Friday to make a repair to the brickwork between the sixth floor and the roof. They will return Monday. -10:51 a.m., November 8

Window installation complete! The last set of windows has been installed in the last apartment. However, some work remains to be done, so Ecker's crew will return next week. -4:24 p.m., November 7

Rain: The damp weather of the last couple of days is slowing down the exterior work, but not the window crew (so far) because they're making interior repairs. -1:21 p.m., November 6

Window watch: The window project is scheduled to come to a close this week, weather permitting. If you mentioned a concern to Bud about your new windows, you can expect a visit this week from the Ecker crew. -7:43 a.m., November 3

Late work: The façade crew will be working until 6 this evening and tomorrow evening, so if you hear noises that late don't blame Halloween goblins. -3:58 p.m., October 30

Window conclusion: The Ecker crew will be here next Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If you identified problems to Bud, expect a visit sometime next week. -October 29

Rainy weather: Today is the perfect chance to check the seals around your windows. Please take a look and let us know if your caulking is OK or if it needs to be improved. And with the rain, there's no work being done inside or outside the building. -1:25 p.m., October 28




The end of the tunnel: Our façade contractor expects the exterior work to be completed before December. -8:35 a.m., October 28

Window wind-up, Take 2: A delay in fabricating the final few windows means that the crew will be working at the building through next week. -6:40 p.m., October 23

Window wind-up: The new window process is nearly complete. If you haven't already, contact Bud with your concerns about your installation. -October 23

End is near, Part I: The final batch of windows will be installed next week. We hope to have all our window issues taken care of by October 24, so if you haven't told about your concerns do so now. -October 17

Week of October 13
    Monday, October 13: Apt. 27 + one available
    Tuesday, October 14: Apt. 54 + one available
    Wednesday, October 15: Apt. 4 + one available
    Thursday, October 16: Apt. B + one available
    Friday, October 17: Apt. 32 + one available

Window conclusion: As we near the end of the window installation process, we want to know if you have an problems with your windows. Does each sash stay up when it's supposed to? Are any screens torn? Any glass scratched? Any other window issue? Please tell Bud right away. And if you have damage that you haven't reported to Bud, do so now. -October 8

Pigeon patrol: As our window installation wraps up, we're preparing to start our anti-pigeon plan. Part 1 is to install anti-bird spikes on any window sill you want. The spikes prevent pigeons (or any other bird) from landing on your sill. If you would like to have these installed, please contact Bud.
We will let you know when we are ready to begin. Before the spikes can be installed, you must clean your window sill so the adhesive can adhere to the stone. A few days before Bud puts in your spikes, we suggest using a plastic sponge or steel wool with warm water with a little bleach. If your window sill hasn't been cleaned, Bud cannot put in the spikes. -October 7

Week of October 6
    Monday, October 6: Apts. 64 & 45
    Tuesday, October 7: Apts. 35 & 5
    Wednesday, October 8: Apts. 24 & 25
    Thursday, October 9: Apts. 34 & 37
    Friday, October 10: Apts. 44 & 66

Everyone should either have new windows or be on the schedule (below) for new windows. If you answer no to both, contact Bud right away. The window project will end in a couple of weeks! -October 3

First and B floors: Please contact Bud to schedule your window installation. -4:10 p.m., October 1

Second floor: It's your turn to schedule your window installation with Bud if you're in Apts. 24, 25, or 27. We're still waiting to hear from some residents of the third and fifth floors. -5:55 p.m., September 30

Third floor: Please schedule your window installation with Bud. Available dates are below. -5:10 p.m., September 29

Sun's out: Both crews are back at work today. We're about half-way through the project, and expect to be done well before Thanksgiving. The windows should be done before Halloween. -9:50 a.m., September 29



Week of September 29: Here's the line-up for this week.
    Monday, September 29: Apts. 46 & 55
    Tuesday, September 30: Apt. 56 + one available
    Wednesday, October 1: Apts. 57 & 67
    Thursday, October 2: Apts. 22 & 47
    Friday, October 3: Apts. 3 & 65

Stormy weather: Today rain and high winds are postponing the window installation (and facade work). If you were to get windows today, check the schedule, below, for your new day. -September 26

Façade repairs: The outdoors crew returns this morning. -September 25

Façade hiatus: The construction crew is taking a break while the stones and other parts that they removed from the building are being repaired or fabricated. They'll be back soon. -September 24

Window schedule: Residents of Apartments 54, 57 and 67 need to contact Bud to schedule their installations. -September 24

Fifth floor: It's your turn to pick a window installation date. Check your e-mail if you're in 54 or 57. -September 23

Sixth floor: The crew is ready to move to the south and west sides. If you're in Apts. 67, 65 or 64, please check your e-mail to schedule your installation. -September 22

Installation: The crew is moving apace. Please help us get your new windows in soon! -September 19

Week of September 22

    Monday, September 22: Apts. 21 & 36
    Tuesday, September 23: Apts. 31 & 1A
    Wednesday, September 24: Apt. 33 available
    Thursday, September 25: Apt. 23 & 26
    Friday, September 26: Apts. 32 & 66

6-line windows: The crew is ready to change your windows next week. Please check your e-mail for details. -September 17

3rd and 2nd floors: If you're in the 1, 2, or 3 lines, check your e-mail for details on scheduling your window installation next week. A message from the 447 e-mail went out at 8 tonight. 8:05 p.m., September 16

Windows next week: The crew is re-evaluating its approach and will let us know their plans for the next floors by Tuesday afternoon. If you're on the second or third floors, in the 1, 2, or 3 lines, watch your e-mail tomorrow night for details. An announcement that the notices will be going out will be posted here first.-9:35 p.m., September 15

Window schedule, week 2
Week of September 15: Here's the current plan.
    Monday, Apt. 41.
    Tuesday, Apt. 52.
    Wednesday, Apt. 42.
    Thursday, Apt. 43.
    Friday, Apt. 53.
We'll try to have the schedule for next week in a few days. -9:15 a.m., September 15

Window plans: The crew is going to work in only one apartment per day instead of trying to start and finish in two or three per day. We're still working out the schedule. Apartments 52, 53, 41, 42, and 43 are next on the list. Please watch your e-mail or look for the note in the elevator for scheduling plans. -September 13




West façade: Work proceeds outdoors to the rear of the building. Remember to close your curtains for privacy during the days, Monday through Friday. -September 12

Revised schedule: The installation crew is finding that it's taking longer than they expected to get the windows in just right. We're glad that they're taking the time to do the work properly. However, it means that their time frame will have to be re-figured. See "Day 3" at the top of this page for Friday. Please check back tomorrow for next week's schedule. -5:15 p.m., September 11

Windows, Day 3: Instead of starting on the fifth floor Friday, the crew will aim to finish sixth-floor apartments. On Monday they will work in Apts. 52 and 53. -4:55 p.m., September 11

Windows, Day 2: The crew is preparing to start work on the sixth floor. They will move to the fifth floor this afternoon. -9:35 a.m., September 11

Dust: Renovations and constructions projects are never neat and clean. The window crew has been cleaning up after themselves, but the inevitable layer of dust will settle in your belongings if you do not cover them. Computers, clothing and food should be among your priorities. Pets should be caged while the crew is working to protect the animals and the workmen. -9:15 a.m., September 11

Windows, Day 1: The window crew began their work this morning. Please remember to move furniture out of the way. The schedule has changed a bit, so look below for the update. -September 10

61, 62, and 63: You're getting new windows today. Make sure your furniture is out of the way of the windows. If you haven't removed your air conditioners, the installation crew will return. Please let Bud know if you have any concerns. -September 10

East façade: Part of the crew will return to the recessed portion of the front of the building to continue work while another crew continues on the south façade. -September 8

Schedule: The window company has provided an updated schedule for their work. They will be ready to start at 8 a.m., so if you prefer to have the work done first-thing, please request an early slot with Bud.
If you are not at home on your day, please let Bud know if we have permission to enter your apartment to install the new windows.
Please be patient as we begin this complicated process. -September 5 

1-, 2-, and 3-Line Apartments: Windows on the north and south sides will be changed, not just those facing east.

2- and 3-Line Apartments: Windows facing the recessed fire escape may not be replaced until later. The façade work in the recessed portions could be significant enough that the contractor wants to wait until it is done before taking out the old windows. -September 5

Southern stones: Several bricks and large stones in the recessed portion of the south side are being removed for inspection. -September 3

Window prep: If you're getting new windows on the 10th, please arrange to have your air conditioners removed before then. This work must be done by a licensed professional to insure that the air condi- tioner does not fall out. If you do not already know a licensed a/c remover, please contact Argo or Bud for the name of a neighborhood business that will do the work for us at a discount. -August 29

In the mail: Watch your mailbox for a letter from Argo with instructions on preparing for the window installation. -August 27

Windows: With dusty work complete on the east façade, we're looking to install windows there on Wednesday, September 10, or so. If you have windows on the Fort Washington Avenue side of the building, please have your air conditioners removed by then, and plan to provide easy access so the crew can stand in front of your windows. If you have child guards, please contact Bud by the end of the week so he can plan to have them removed and replaced. -3:35 p.m., August 26

Patching is complete on the east façade, with just a few details (big and small) left. One of the two crews has moved to the south façade to begin work there. -9:45 a.m., August 26





The scaffolds are going up this morning. -9:10 a.m., August 26

Window storage: The first batch of windows has been delivered. They won't be installed until next month, so we're storing them in the basement. If you use the fitness room or storage area, please be careful around them. -11 a.m., August 25
Some windows are also stored near the west exit, which we all use. Please help us keep them clean and safe. -10 p.m., August 25

Windows done: The manufacturer has finished building all our new windows. He's just waiting for the OK from us to install them, so please start making plans to clear your air conditioners and other items by September 18. -8:30 a.m., August 25

The scaffolds are scheduled to be erected Tuesday in front of the recessed fire escapes on the east and south facades. If you are in the 2, 3, or 7 line, you may wish to draw your curtains for privacy on Tuesday. -August 22

Service entrance: With Bud back, the construction crew is bringing in their work equipment through the back gate instead of through the lobby, which should keep our entrance cleaner and neater. -August 21





Where are those scaffolds? Turns out that because of their height, the pipe scaffolds require building permits before erecting them. When the Department of Buildings has given us the go-ahead, we'll post it here first. -August 19

Balconies and lintels: Those are the big items being repaired on the east facade this week. If you are on the third or sixth floors portions of your balcony may temporarily disappear. If you are in the two- or three-lines, the lintels in front the the fire escape will look like they're coming apart, which they are, so they can be repaired. -August 14

Stone lintels in front of the fire escapes are crews' current targets. They're working on the third floors today and tomorrow (and maybe later), so if you're on the east or side sides, consider drawing your shades for privacy.-August 12

Birds are singing now that the storm has passed. It came through at about 11:05. No hail here, but plenty of lightning. It's sprinkling, so the crews are waiting for skies to clear.-11:40 am, August 11

Rain delay (and we're still in the top of the first inning). A severe thunderstorm will pass through Hudson Heights around 11:10 this morning, according to the National Weather Service. The storm has already dropped hail three-quarters of an inch in diameter at Sixth Avenue and West 49 Street. The crews are waiting indoors, hoping the storm ends as suddenly as it began. -11:00 am, August 11

As you may have heard, the work is beginning today. Crews are on the northeast corner of the roof and on the south facade. We apologize for the alarms that went off this morning. -10:10 am, August 11

The pipe scaffolds should go up this week. Bad weather can delay the project. We'll post the schedule here when it's available. - August 9

Exciting news: The tentative plan is for windows to be installed starting around Thursday, September 18, weather permitting. As always, rain between now and then can delay us. -4:30 pm, August 6

Rain delay: Lots of overnight rain left the building too damp for work today. Crews will return tomorrow. -1 pm, August 6

Construction begins Tuesday morning. Now that mobilization is complete, a crew will start on the south side before another crew starts on the east side. We're still awaiting word on when the two scaffolds will go up. -4 pm, August 4

Mobilization is underway. The contractor's crew will place some of their equipment on top of the bridge for storage. They hope to begin work tomorrow on the east and south façades. -10 am, August 4

Two pipe scaffolds will be erected about the sidewalk bridge, one at each recessed fire escape. Check back here for the date the work will be done; if you live on the 2, 3, or 7 lines you may wish to draw your curtains for privacy that day. -July 31

Mobilization is set to begin Monday, weather permitting. That means the construction crew will bring their equipment to the building so they can prepare to start work. -July 30

Lights were installed today on the bridge. Work on the façade could begin as soon as Monday, August 4. Watch here for news. -July 28

The sidewalk bridge is complete, and next electricians will install lights and and alarm. The construction team plans to meet Monday to map their plans to begin the façade project. -July 25
 




We're underway! The sidewalk bridge started going up this morning and will be finished Friday, when the sidewalk lights and alarm are installed. -July 24

A high-winds advisory, in addition to a storm watch and flood warning, are in effect until 6 tomorrow morning. The Department of Buildings is warning construction crews to securely fasten their work sites to keep strong gusts from blowing away loose material. These conditions make putting up a sidewalk shed, with its steel poles and corrugated metal roof, a poor idea. Once the weather has cleared the crew will return. -July 23

Starting Wednesday a crew will begin erecting a sidewalk shed on the east and side sides of the building. Residents on the first, second and B floors should keep their windows closed to keep out dust, and they may wish to draw their blinds for privacy. The shed will have an alarm on it that will ring if anyone tries to get access to the top. -June 21

The final window count is complete, and the manufacturer is getting started building them. -July 16

Watch your mail tomorrow or Wednesday for details from Argo on the beginning of the project. -July 14

Windows will be installed after the beginning of September under the current schedule. The exact date will change, and we'll let you know the specifics as they come available. -July 11

The sidewalk shed, which is the first visible part of the construction process, will be put up starting as early as the 21st. It will take up to two weeks to complete this portion of the job. Residents on the first and second floors will want to draw their blinds for privacy, and close their windows to keep out dust.
Details coming to you in the mail from Argo next week. -July 10

A meeting with the project engineer and contractor is in the works. They'll nail down details about the start date and other plans. -July 2

DOB Approval! Our engineer informed us today that the Department of Buildings approved our construction application on Friday.

Once the contractor has a schedule to begin set, we'll let you know. The first step will be to install the sidewalk bridge on the east and south sides of the building. -June 30




Move furniture away from your windows.

Remove curtains or blinds from your windows.

Cover your hard-to-clean items, such as electronics, clothes, food and artwork. The crew cleans up when they're done, but the work is dusty.

If you have pets, cage them during the work because your window openings will have no windows throughout the day.

If you want to keep your window moldings, inform the crew before they begin work. Please be aware that some moldings are 101 years old and may break when removed simply because of age.



A/C installers: Two neighborhood businesses will remove and re-install your air conditioners for you. They must be removed before your windows can be replaced. Both are licensed to do this kind of work, as the House Rules require. You may hire any licensed professional to do the job, including:
Remove & Install at 447's rate of $50: Arrange through Bud or Hedda. Remove only: $25. You must pay in advance.  
Another neighborhood option: Manhattan Tel. & A/C: (212) 638-6050. Price arranged on your own.                             -September 4


Removing Your Child Guards
If you have child guards, please contact Bud at least three days before your windows are to be replaced so he can have the guards removed. -August 26