Loews hotel blinds restoration

Restored Historical Blinds In Former PSFS Building

Above: on-site assembly of one

set of restored blinds

Loews is located in the former PSFS building on 12th & Market streets in Philadelphia, A noted historical landmark.

Of the many projects we did for Loews, none were more challenging then restoring these 16 foot wooden blinds located on the 33rd floor. Only the red are pictured, but there were blue & yellow as well. 10 sets in all !

They are original to the building and were manufactured around 1928.

Though we had no experience restoring old blinds, ( who has ?) loews asked us to give it our best effort . Not one to back down from a challenge, we forged ahead.

Besides the obvious paint problems, the wood was overly dried and weak from the constant sun light , the cloth tape was rotted and many were missing parts that no longer existed. They could not be restored on site, so one of the first challenges we faced involved getting these 16 foot blinds in a 10 foot elevator. We lost a few good slats during the battle, but success was ultimately ours!

After many months of research & restoration (and though no one will admit it , I believe several bottles of scotch) The blinds once again took their place on the 33rd floor of the PSFS.

Restored Wooden Blinds

For Loews Hotel

Before Restoration

After Restoration