Seaboard History

The 70+ year history of Seaboard Weatherproofing & Restoration Company is marked by quality work, exemplary service and continuous
evolution to meet our clients’ changing needs. We are proud to be widely recognized as a leading façade restoration and waterproofing contractor throughout the New York-metropolitan area.

The beginnings…

Seaboard was founded in 1944 by Richard L. Ahearn Sr., as a waterproofing concern. Upon his untimely death in 1948, Richard L. Ahearn Jr. took control of the company and brought in Jed Holtzman as an equal partner. The partners specialized in below-grade membrane and waterproofing applications. Recognizing an opportunity in façade waterproofing, they began repairing all types of façade masonry.

Changing to meet our clients’ needs…

Seaboard continued to operate as one of the premier waterproofing companies in the Northeast. As an adjunct to façade masonry repairs, Seaboard also developed expertise in exterior sealants and coatings. The firm continued to grow, earning recognition for its masonry craftsmanship and expanding into other masonry tasks in its clients’ buildings, including construction of cinderblock walls, interior plaster applications and parking garage restoration. In 1960, Seaboard formed the general contracting firm Ahearn-Holtzman Inc. to better meet the construction needs of its clients.

Seaboard and Ahearn-Holtzman continued to thrive through the 1960s and ‘70s, expanding their scope to include interior renovations. Brothers Richard and Michael Ahearn joined the firm and soon took on managerial roles, with Richard running the general contracting side of the business and Michael focusing on Seaboard Weatherproofing. Bought out in 1991 by Richard’s sons, Richard and Michael became partners in the purchase of the company. Today they are joined by Matthew Ahearn, who represents the fourth generation of the family in the business.

The rest is history…

During the 1980s, Seaboard Weatherproofing began to pursue historic façade work that included 100-year-old brownstone row houses and a major lower Manhattan commercial building on the National Register of Historic Places. Seaboard continues its tradition of providing an array of façade waterproofing services, such as masonry rehabilitation and curtain wall sealant applications, while meeting the rising demand for quality restoration services. Today, the firm is engaged in waterproofing projects as well as high-profile restorations in the New York-metropolitan area.

The expansion from our façade waterproofing and rehabilitation heritage into historic preservation and restoration represented a significant step for Seaboard. Over the years, Seaboard has played an integral role in restoration work at 55 Liberty, 700 Broadway, the Woolworth Building, The Plaza Hotel, and the Jewish Museum. We are particularly proud of our award-winning work at 90 West Street, which was featured in The New York Times.

Seaboard Weatherproofing & Restoration continues to introduce new solutions and materials, and to provide the wide range of services that our varied clients demand. We at Seaboard are well positioned and ready to meet the future needs of our industry – and the people we serve.