Swig completes mural restoration at 80 Broad Street.

Kent M. Swig, president of Swig Equities, announced the recent restoration of the 1931 Art Deco ceiling mural in the lobby of 80 Broad Street, part of the continuing effort of Swig Equities to rehabilitate historic buildings in their commercial office portfolio in Downtown Manhattan.

The mural is situated in the main corridor of the lobby at 80 Broad Street, a 36-story, 400,000 s/f Art Deco-inspired building designed in 1930 by architects Sloan & Robertson for New York's Maritime Exchange.

Painted in 1931 by the well-known muralist, Lillian Gaertner Palmedo, the mural depicts a nautical theme that was appropriate for the Maritime Exchange, whose role served to oversee shipping logistics and operations of New York harbor.

The artist used richly-hued oil paints and metallic leafing applied in bold, sweeping lines to compose a dynamic scene of ships at sea. This reference to movement and transportation, as well as to use of ornament and metallic colors, were typical characteristics of the Art Deco style, a popular trend during this era that embraced the period's technological advancements of the early 20th century.

The conservation effort was carried out by Evergreene Painting Studios, a New York City-based firm that specializes in the restoration of architectural ornament and decorative finishes, such as painting, ornamental plasterwork, mosaics, and gilding.

They are recognized for their award-winning remediation treatments of landmark buildings nationwide, including the United States Capital, Radio City Music Hall, and Grand Central Terminal. Jill Krupp of Swig Equities coordinated and supervised the work on behalf of ownership.

Years of neglect and improper care resulted in the discoloration of the oil paint and metallic leafing used to compose the mural. After a thorough examination, Evergreene's conservators were able to assess the condition of the mural. Their treatment strategy that was proposed and ultimately carried out included stabilization of the canvas and the plaster substrate, cleaning of the mural's surface to remove the layer of pollution that was dulling the surface of the canvas, and minor infill painting where needed. As a result the original artwork was able to be protected and restored to its original state.

Coinciding with the restoration of the mural, Swig Equities has completed the interior renovation of the 80 Broad Street lobby. The new lobby, designed by the architectural firm Moed de Armas &

Shannon, was opened to the public this summer. The lighting in the lobby has been upgraded and custom light fixtures have been fabricated, that will now highlight the mural and overall lobby space.

The entry lobby's previous black granite cladding and walls have been replaced by a glass transom and architectural glass wall cladding, allowing more natural light into the space and creating a great wall of glass looking out onto Broad Street. The ceiling to the lobby entry was finished with aluminum leafing, which recalls the finishes and materials of the 1930's. The leafing also reflects light, this brightening the space. A new revolving door has also been installed.

The white marble and black granite floors and the Arabescato Corchia marble-clad walls of the lobby have been restored to their original, pristine condition by replacing the damaged stone tiles and honing all surfaces. The new stone, which was supplied by Wilkstone, was sourced by quarries in the same region of Italy as the original.