What we found
865 Lafayette had a cornice in the kind of condition that is common across Bed-Stuy: significant rust, paint failure, and several decorative elements showing softening or partial loss. The building was overdue for serious cornice work — the kind that has been deferred for a couple of decades because there was always something else to do first.
The decorative brackets and dentil row were what made this scope longer than a standard cornice job. Each ornamental element has to be addressed individually.
Restored cornice with full decorative bracket and dentil row.
The Work
The standard cornice sequence — scrape, rust convert, patch, prime, recoat — was applied across the main cornice. The decorative work added time: each bracket and dentil received individual scraping, rust treatment, and primer before the final coats went on.
Where decorative elements had thinned through, we patched. Where they were too far gone, we recreated to match the surrounding profile.
The result
Restored cornice with all decorative work intact, properly rust-treated underneath, and finished in a color matched to the building. The detail that gives the building its character is back.
Project gallery
A few additional views of the work at 865 Lafayette Avenue.
Restored cornice with full decorative bracket and dentil row.
Detail of decorative brackets after individual treatment.
Cornice in context with the broader Lafayette Avenue streetscape.
Want to walk to this project?
865 Lafayette Avenue is a real address. We can meet you there for a walkaround, point out the specific repair work, and answer questions in person. Or we can send you photos of the precise details. Just call Sajin at 631-464-8200.