Cornell University – War Memorial

Property History

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. The War Memorial on Cornell University’s West Campus was dedicated in 1932 and commemorates Cornell’s 264 casualties during World War I. The cloister joining the two towers contains sixteen panels engraved with the names of Cornell students, alumni and faculty who died in World War One.

Project Scope

Grand Light was commissioned to restore three different types of historic outdoor lanterns for the Cornell War Memorial, 20 two-foot-tall lanterns, 2 that were 3’ tall, and another 2 at 4’ for a total of 24 fixtures. Before the project began, our artisans visited Cornell to perform a preliminary analysis and returned to our Connecticut factory to create a comprehensive survey outlining the entire scope of work.

This submittal was one of the earlier implementations of our modern 3D capabilities. In factory, our engineering department used Computer Aided Design software to create a 3D model sketch of one of the lamp types. This sketch was used for various simulations, and to find hypothetical data, such as testing the lumen output via photometric software, as well as creating more accessible mock-ups of how different modifications would work.

A new up-light LED Driver was added to the top of each 2’ tall outdoor lantern, and by converting our to-scale 3D models into 2D drawings, we could precisely choose what kind of module would most suit the fixtures. Once installing a module to match our mock-up, our artisans tested the lamps against different surfaces, confirming that our photometric data acquired in the pre-restoration process was accurate and to Cornell’s standard.

Additionally, each fixture was media blasted, waxed, and refinished. The existing glass/acrylic diffusers were replaced with a new set of brand new stunning clear amber seedy frosted glass diffusers. Missing and damaged mechanical components were replaced, and once all of this was completed, including the new retrofitted LED configuration, our artisans brought the lanterns back to the Ithaca War Memorial where they could continue to honor our veterans for centuries to come.

Services Performed

Lighting Design & Engineering

Our process begins with reviewing existing documentation including sketches, architectural drawings, historical photographs, and an on-site inspection to gather the full scope of the project requirements. From there, Grand Light will develop a detailed proposal. As required Grand Light conducts research to assure the historical accuracy of all historic projects.

The creation of Custom Drawings, Modeling, Simulation, and Rendering is an important part of the process when it comes to the production of custom lighting. Whether it be a replication or modification of an existing lighting fixture, the client’s design, or a creation by Grand Light’s engineering team, our designs will serve as the blue print for our production process.

Our designs and subsequent mock-ups address the smallest of detail, allowing our clients to fully visualize the fixture before it goes into production, which reduces the possibility of error, and allows Grand Light to fulfill its commitment of delivering high quality lighting fixtures on schedule.

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Surface Preparation

Grand Light specialists perform testing on each fixture to determine the optimal surface profile for powder coat, paint, metal oil, or hot/cold patina application. Our processes utilize a wide range of equipment including Pyrolysis, Burn-Off, Thermal, and Blast Cabinets to remove an existing finish and smooth or roughen a surface.

Our industrial Pyrolysis, Burn-Off, Thermal Ovens and Heaters offer high-temperature, controlled burns for removal or vaporization of finish or foreign material from metal surfaces. Any remaining ash is removed through our blast cabinet services.

Our industrial Media Blast Cabinets are generally used to remove existing material (finish, contaminants, rust, etc.) or smooth/roughen a surface, all without causing damage to the original profile and aesthetic elements. Each cabinet houses a large work area and adjustable turn table to easily maneuver fixture frames and components.

Glass Fabrication

Grand Light’s Crystal, Glass, & Acrylic Studio specializes in the cleaning, repair, fitting, custom fabrication, replacement and replication of crystal, glass, and acrylic components of varying types, sizes, and color.

Our extensive cleaning solutions include hand cleaning, abrasive, micro-abrasive, and ultrasonic cleaning technology. Our artisans utilize a proprietary cleaning solution before each component is rinsed and hand polished. We have extensive experience pinning and stringing crystal components on historic and custom lighting fixtures. Utilizing time proven techniques, our artisans install pinning wire, clips, and connecting rings on crystal components in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and designs.

Our specialists will identify and research any missing crystal or glass component on a historic lighting fixture and offer up a similar or exact grade, size, tint, color, and shape to maintain a fixtures historical integrity.

Grand Light offers a wide variety of custom, high quality architectural glass and acrylic diffusers, available in an array of styles, types, and sizes. Our high quality architectural diffusers are available by custom order and offer unique, one-of-a-kind pieces or replications of an existing design.

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Finish Application & Top Coatings

As a part of the restoration process, our artisans explore the intricate details of preserving the historical integrity of lighting fixtures including color matching and sheen of the original finish. Custom lighting finishes are available in custom painted colors, sheen, and textures as well as custom patina colors on bronze, copper, and brass components.

Our artisans can match any color or finish utilizing a variety of processes involving Powder Coat, Spray, Hot or Cold Patina Custom Recipes and Color Blending an existing finish.

Grand Light exercises meticulous techniques that are unparalleled in the application of Protective Top Coatings including binders, rust, and UV resistant protective metal oils, waxes, and lacquers with various customized sheens and tints.

NRTL Testing & Listing

Utilizing only UL listed products, Grand Light’s OSHA NRTL Certified Manufacturer’s Testing and Listing Laboratory strives to ensure only the highest quality of standards go into finalizing each lighting fixture; from the rewiring of luminaires, to the installation of modern lamp technology, and the custom conversion of gas powered fixtures to electric.

Grand Light’s technicians inspect and document any electrical deficiencies on every lighting fixture prior to any electrical component replacement and rewiring. We also offer comprehensive retrofit kits for upgrading existing historic luminaire to take full advantage of modern induction lamping technology. Grand Light’s practice is to perform multiple UL tests on all electrical components and systems to ensure compliance with UL Standards for luminaires.