"Fortunately, most of the intricate detail work was intact," continued Win Chamberlin, also a principal in Orb. "The marble stairs with their intricate marble newel posts and caps needed only cleaning. The rosette window over the entrance was warped, but functional still. We really only had to replace some of the plainer marblework, which was relatively easy. "

The Orb team was able to find white and grey Carrera marble to match that of the original building. A good cleaning was all most of the older stone needed. Columns, railings, moldings, cornices, floors, stairs and wall tiles were all either cleaned or carved anew.

What has changed about the lobby is its use. Today, it is divided into two lobbies, one for the medical and professional offices on the lower floors and the other for the rental apartments which are now available in the completely rehabilitated structure. But though the function is different, the form is largely the same. The grand staircase still rises from the foyer to a second floor apartment. The entrance, with its huge rosette window boasts a 30 foot ceiling.

Rutherford Place was originally known as the New York Lying In Hospital. The limestone brick and terra cotta structure at Stuyvesant Square Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. It now contains 127 duplex and triplex floor-through apartments. For information about the exhibit or the building call (212) 473-9066