West Gallery, The Frick Collection, New York
Photo: Joseph Coscia Jr.
At NH Facility Services (NHFS), we’ve been privileged to work on many incredible projects across New York’s commercial and cultural landscape. Among them, the two-year journey we recently completed at The Frick Collection and Frick Art Research Library in Manhattan stands out as one of the most distinctive and rewarding yet. This project gave us the unique opportunity to contribute to the careful revival of one of the world’s most esteemed art institutions.
Our team was honored to be chosen as the primary partner for this highly specialized post construction cleaning project. With a focus on conservation, precision, and respect for historic integrity, the work we performed went far beyond standard services. It demanded patience, expertise, and a deep understanding of how to care for architectural and artistic heritage.
A Two-Year Journey Behind the Scenes
The Frick Collection, housed in the former Gilded Age mansion of Henry Clay Frick, has long been one of Manhattan’s most cherished cultural spaces. In 2020, the museum began an ambitious restoration and renovation project that would modernize its facilities while preserving its historic character. When it came time to begin post construction cleaning, NHFS was brought in to carry out the critical work of preparing the museum and library for public reopening.
From mid-2023 through early 2025, our team worked in close coordination with construction crews, curatorial staff, and site supervisors across multiple phases of the project. This wasn’t just a matter of sweeping up after renovation—it was a meticulous, months-long operation where cleaning became a key part of the conservation process.
Each space we touched—from newly restored galleries to historic corridors—required a custom approach. This wasn’t a job for generic solutions. Every method, material, and movement had to be thought through in advance.
Photo: Joseph Coscia Jr.
Precision Cleaning in a Historic Environment
Unlike typical post construction cleaning in new builds or commercial renovations, our work at the Frick required careful planning and gentle execution. Many of the surfaces we were responsible for hadn’t seen public exposure in decades—or ever. Every gallery, reading room, and architectural detail offered a unique set of challenges.
We encountered:
- Ornate ceiling tracks and light fixtures that required cleaning from lifts, with soft attachments to avoid scratching historic finishes.
- Delicate stone, metal, and carved wood details that had to be dusted, not scrubbed—always using non-abrasive, dry methods unless otherwise directed.
- Custom flooring, much of it original or period-accurate, that had to be protected while we worked above it.
Before a single cloth touched a surface, we spent time reviewing drawings, restoration notes, and curatorial guidance to fully understand each material’s sensitivity. In many areas, the goal was not to “make it shine,” but rather to remove invisible dust without disrupting patina or natural wear that was meant to remain.
Photo: Joseph Coscia Jr.
Cleaning With Conservation in Mind
Preservation was at the heart of everything we did. That meant our scope wasn’t determined solely by cleanliness standards—it was shaped by the museum’s broader restoration goals.
Some areas were intentionally excluded from our cleaning efforts: 18th-century mantels, original painted paneling, and select decorative ceilings, for example, were left untouched. Our role was to support—not overwrite—the work of conservationists and curators.
In active cleaning areas, our goal was to protect the building while performing our work. We used non-residue sheeting and tape to safeguard finishes, HEPA-filtered vacuums to capture fine dust without redistributing it, and microfiber cloths for dry, gentle cleaning—reserving moisture only when absolutely necessary.
The Frick Collection, New York
Tools and Techniques Designed for Fine Detail
We selected our tools with the same level of care as the museum chose its conservation team. Because standard janitorial equipment wasn’t sufficient for this type of post construction cleaning, we relied on specialized resources to meet our high standards.
HEPA Filtration for Fine Dust
Construction dust can be persistent, especially in historic buildings where airflow may be limited and materials are porous. As part of our post construction cleaning process, we used multi-stage HEPA filters to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. This helped reduce airborne residue and left surfaces cleaner with fewer passes.
Safe Access for High Areas
To reach vaulted ceilings, lighting, and upper gallery spaces, our team operated scissor lifts and aerial work platforms. Floor protection was always in place to prevent damage from wheels or stabilizers. Safety for both our staff and the structure was paramount throughout the project.
Material-Specific Cleaning Methods
Cleaning historic wood is not the same as cleaning modern laminate or painted drywall. Our team was trained to recognize different material types and apply the correct technique—whether dry dusting with electrostatic cloths, using low-moisture wiping for stone, or avoiding chemical cleaners entirely in sensitive areas.
A Quiet Contribution to a Grand Reopening
Our role may not have made headlines, but it played a pivotal part in The Frick Collection’s return to the public. Clean spaces don’t draw attention, but their impact is profound. When visitors walk through pristine galleries and admire centuries-old art in a refreshed setting, our work is invisibly present—supporting the experience without ever distracting from it.
Specialty Post Construction Cleaning for Cultural Institutions
At NHFS, we specialize in post construction cleaning that goes beyond the ordinary. While we serve a wide range of commercial clients, we have developed particular expertise in museums, galleries, and historically significant properties.
These environments demand a higher level of precision, coordination, and accountability. We’re proud to offer:
- Staff trained in conservation-sensitive cleaning practices
- Flexible project scheduling to align with phased construction or exhibit preparation
- Detailed documentation and planning support, including walkthroughs with curators and GC teams
- Use of non-toxic, non-abrasive, and non-residue materials
We don’t just clean—we partner with institutions to preserve their legacy while preparing them for the future.
Photo: Joseph Coscia Jr.
Looking Ahead
Completing the post construction cleaning at The Frick Collection was a proud moment for our team. It reinforced our belief in the value of clean, carefully maintained spaces—especially those with historic and cultural significance. We’re honored to have contributed and look forward to supporting the next institution ready to restore and reopen its doors.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Project
If you’re planning a restoration, expansion, or renovation at a cultural, educational, or commercial facility, we’d love to speak with you. We offer professional, detailed, and conservation-minded post construction cleaning services tailored to your environment.
Reach out today to learn how we can support your reopening or final turnover phase with the same level of post construction cleaning care we delivered at the Frick.
Scott Kaplan, Executive Vice President at North Hills Facility Services (NHFS), and Brett Kaplan, Director of Business Development, bring a strategic blend of operational expertise and financial insight to their family business. With Scott’s leadership in driving growth and innovation, and Brett’s background in investment banking enhancing NHFS’s client-focused expansion, the Kaplan brothers work together to ensure high-quality, proactive solutions in facility services. Their combined vision keeps NHFS at the forefront of industry standards and client satisfaction.
