La Maison Franҫaise is a 19^th Century former carriage house that serves as a resource for NYU’s French Department students and as a forum of French-American cultural events for the public at-large. A renovated second floor reading room and outdoor terrace help to improve function and comfort for the staff and students, while a thorough exterior rehabilitation of this landmarked building helps to ensure that it remains an integral part of Washington Mews and the Greenwich Village Historic District.

With all new furnishings, lighting, a raised ceiling, and restored floors, the Tom Bishop Reading Room provides a brighter, more welcoming space for research and relaxation. Mechanical and technological upgrades are integrated into the architecture, providing utility and a smaller energy footprint without drawing attention. On the exterior, historical mortar and porous clay bricks were used to re-point and repair the facades. By matching the existing masonry and hand-mixing a softer, lime-heavy mortar, the potential for chemical damage within the wall was mitigated. In conjunction with NYC Landmarks, period-specific paint colors were chosen to ensure that the building retains its circa 1880’s appearance. A newly restored cornice and energy-code compliant roof top off the building, eliminating lingering water infiltration issues.