Historic Exterior Lighting & Street Clock Removed From New London Landmark
Originally constructed in 1856, the New London City Hall once sat amidst rows of residential buildings, but was remodeled in the classical Beaux-Arts exterior in 1912 by New London architect James Sweeney to have a more appealing presence among the flourishing commercial district of the early 20th century.
Grand Light was selected by Architectural Preservation Studio, PC and the Town of New London to restore large historic early 20th century cast iron exterior lighting standards and a cast iron street clock located along the New London City Hall facade.
Grand Light’s restoration team came fully prepared to disassemble and remove the historic standards and clock utilizing a combination of a lull forklift, portable power-lifts, ladders, and muscle, without causing any disruption to the daily activities of the city hall.
The surface of each fixture is scaled to remove the existing finish, repaired, and media blasted before receiving multiple applications of primer and an extremely durable black vinyl resin top coat with a UV resistance protective lacquer.
The large cast iron street clock, manufactured in the early 70’s, is 14 ft tall and weighs over 500 lbs.
Two Grand Light specialists dismantle the clock face, upper frame ring, and trim before the team proceeded to lower the poll to the ground for easy transportation and loading into custom trailers.
Similar to the exterior standards, the existing finish of the clock was removed and the surface was prepped for multiple applications of primer and black vinyl resin top coat with a UV resistance protective lacquer.
The clock and standards must still undergo several different restoration techniques including the addition of several new replicated components and electrical processes at Grand Light’s lighting restoration facility in Seymour, Connecticut.
Grand Light specializes in the restoration of historical luminaires of every scale, material, finish, and design. From professional diagrams and plans for your project to rewiring fixtures to UL standards, our specialists have proven their reputation as exceptional lighting restorers.
For more information regarding this project, you may review the project homepage at New London City Hall.
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