The State University Plaza Exterior Preservation project was undertaken to clean and restore the masonry facades of this Flemish Gothic Revival style office building. Originally constructed between 1914 and 1918 to the designs of Albany architect Marcus T. Reynolds, the exterior of the steel frame building was clad with split-face granite with ornamental cast stone and terra-cotta trim. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Last cleaned and rehabilitated in the mid-1970s, when the building was converted to administrative offices for the State University of New York, some mortar joints were open, a number of cast stone blocks were damaged due to rusting of internal steel reinforcement, and terra-cotta ornament suffered from spalled glazing and ice damage.

Following the preparation of a detailed conditions assessment that documented the condition of each block of cast stone and terra cotta, construction documents were prepared for repairs and replacement. The exterior was cleaned, repointed, and rehabilitated over a three-year period. Missing and damaged cast stone and terra-cotta ornament were replaced with new pieces custom cast to match original features as found in early photographs and original construction drawings. Poor quality replacement cast stone ornament was removed and replaced to match conditions observed in original architectural drawings and early photographs.

Project services were performed and directed by Robert A. Petito Jr., AIA, Associate with Jacobs/Wyper, while formerly serving as Principal and Project Manager with John G. Waite Associates, Architects, PLLC.