Replication & Restoration
Cast iron gothic ornamentation
Formerly Hecht Department Store
The 575 7th Street Main Tower at Terrell Place is a redevelopment of the former Hecht Company
department store into Class A office space. The architecture of this building is impressive, incorporating heavy cast iron gothic ornamentation in the ground floor spandrel panels and entrance canopy. Details like the gargoyles with lion’s and eagle’s heads make these functional and enduring ornamentation of the period. Robinson Iron removed all gothic ornamentation for restoration. After cleaning, repair and refinishing they were installed on the renovated structure.
History
The Hecht Company was founded by Alexander and Moses Hecht as a furniture store in Baltimore in 1857. In 1895 the brothers established a department store in Washington at 515 Seventh Street, NW. The successful enterprise moved to the southeast corner of Seventh and F streets in 1925. Hecht’s was a favorite among Washingtonians for several reasons — it was the first to promote nationally advertised brands, it opened the first parking building, and it installed the city’s first elevator.
The Hecht Company was acquired by the May Company in 1959. In 2004 the Seventh and F streets site was renovated and renamed Terrell Place, in recognition of Mary Church Terrell’s role in the desegregation of the store and Washington’s public accommodations.
Restoration & Replication of Architectural Treasures
Restoration of historic landmarks, historic buildings and other cultural resources of historical significance are the keys to preserving our heritage and the beauty of our public spaces. Robinson Iron is an established, highly qualified firm specializing in the historical restoration and preservation of historical cast iron, aluminum, and bronze. Robinson Iron specializes in accurate restoration of cast metal facades, art pieces, and sculpted ornamentations adorning historic properties throughout the United States and beyond.
