Fifty Three Restorations, Inc. offers the services of a staff of experienced craftsmen who
combine expert skills with a thoughtful approach to their work. Our key personnel include:

Vincent Lepre. Vincent Lepre is a contractor, carpenter & architectural conservator with over 25 years experience in the field of historic preservation. He is skilled in project development & management, the assessment of building conditions, the restoration of existing structures, materials analysis, & woodworking. His knowledge of building technology is comprehensive, particularly in the area of architectural woodworking. His experience ranges from structural issues to decorative finishes.

Mr. Lepre began his career as a carpenter working in the family business. He received a BA in American History from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey in 1978. From 1979 to 1980, Mr. Lepre was an apprentice at the National Trust for Historic Preservation workshop in Tarrytown, New York. In that capacity, he was involved in restoration work at many of the Trust’s properties.

In 1980, Mr. Lepre enrolled in the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation where he earned an MS in Historic Preservation. While attending classes at Columbia, Mr. Lepre worked as a carpenter with the Center for Building Conservation. During his tenure there, he had the opportunity to work on the Ward House at the South Street Seaport and other historic properties in New York City. His responsibilities included the documentation of existing conditions, the investigation of building histories, as well as restoration of historic fabric.

Subsequent to completing course work at Columbia University, Mr. Lepre accepted a contract to participate in the reconstruction of the Frank Lloyd Wright Room in the American Wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Under the direction of master builder Ezra Mills, Mr. Lepre led a team of craftsmen that installed the room, frame to finish. It is a permanent part of the museum’s collection. Mr. Lepre was also a key participant in the reconstruction of the Greek Revival and the Rococo Revival rooms, both of which also remain part of the museum’s collection of period rooms.

Since 1984, Mr. Lepre has worked on many significant historic properties in the New York Metropolitan area. As the owner of Fifty Three Restorations, he has served as project manager, contractor or sub-contractor, directing work in museums, churches, synagogues and privates homes. The scope of these experiences includes entire buildings as well as individual architectural elements. Building facades, steeples, staircases, cornices, doors, windows, and historic interiors are all the subject of his work.

Gabriel Culea. Trained in the tradition of fine European craftsmanship, Mr. Culea brings a quarter of a century of experience to our projects. He is equally comfortable carving a handrail easement, making a door or installing window sash. Gabriel has the unique ability to combine the sensibilities of a seasoned furniture maker with the practicality of an experienced house carpenter. The result is efficiently produced work that is expertly crafted.

Gerald Gamer has been a professional woodworker for more than a dozen years. He began his career as a furniture maker, and has also worked as a restorer and refinisher of antique furniture. Since 2001 Mr. Gamer has worked with Fifty Three Restorations as a foreman and project manager, focusing on architecturally and historically significant buildings, both publicly and privately owned. Currently, Mr. Gamer is the senior estimator for the company, having assumed that role in 2007. Mr. Gamer’s noteworthy projects with Fifty Three Restorations includes work at:
The Eldridge Street Synagogue
The Frick Collection
Friends Meeting House (Stuyvesant Square)
Gracie Mansion
The Lunt Fontaine Theater
The Morris-Jumel Mansion
The National Academy of Design
The Rufus King Manor House
The South Street Seaport Museum

Joseph Guzman is an experienced carpenter & moldmaker with 18 years of experience in his chosen field. He is the general manager of Fifty Three Restorations and is responsible for the day to day organization & operation of the business. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Joseph also manages selected projects. Joseph’s project credits include the restoration of the Woolworth family Chapel in Woodlawn Cemetery & an extensive amount of work at the Frick Collection, which includes the restoration of the windows, doors and gallery features.