At Coco Architectural Grilles and Metalcraft, we have devoted more than a century of work and four generations to an enduring passion for excellence in everything related to metalwork. Over the decades Coco Architectural has focused on everything from votive candelabras to polished brass shower doors and custom architectural grilles.

The year 1909 seems like a strange and alien time for many of us. Most people still rode horses as their primary mode of transportation, and unless you lived in the city, you still relied on the sun to determine your bedtime. If you lived in rural areas (like 60% of the U.S.), telephones and electricity were still a great luxury. The concept of assembly line production was about to take the world by storm.

It was with the great melting pot movement that brought Rosario Coco and his family to America from Italy. From there he began shaping a business that would become a multi-generational legacy. In everything we’ve done at Coco Architectural over the past century, there’s been a specific method to ensure excellent quality that keeps our clients returning over and over again.

The five characteristics that define the Coco Architectural Grilles brand:

• Integrity: We vouch for everything we produce, and we stand behind it with our family name. After a century of upholding our promises and ensuring 100% American-made stock and custom grilles, you know you can trust our product.
• Quality: Many of our clients are upscale and demand the best, so we demand that our product is the highest quality to exceed expectations and perfectly match specifications. There is no substitute in quality to a Coco architectural grille.
• Service: We communicate with and support our clients, from the first meeting until the product has been delivered. Whether your job is one highly specific piece or 1,000 made-to-order grilles, we treat every customer like they’re a member of the family.
• Flexibility: You tell us what you want and we’ll build it. Everything in our extensive catalog can be adjusted by size, material and finish. On top of that, they can be engineered for floor, wall or ceiling applications. Connect with us today and see how we can accommodate the needs of your project.
• Experience: After all those mentioned above, we wrap up our service with the experience and dedication that flows throughout all aspects of our work. We’ve learned a lot with more than 100 years’ metal fabrication excellence. It’s our goal to educate others and respect the rich history of our craft in everything we do.

To see some of our work, look at what we provided to The Beacon remodel in Jersey City.  This project involved 10 high-rise buildings that included apartments, condominiums, entertainment spaces, and more design elements. 

If you need high quality architectural linear bar grilles, we can make anything to meet your specific requirements.  We have many materials and even more design options.  Let us show you how we can assist your project. 

There’s a reason we have been in business for more than a century: we know how to craft a spectacular product and meet all of your architectural needs.

Imagine walking into a beautiful space with custom flooring, gorgeous walls, and a magnificent ceiling, all highlighted by the perfect lighting.  But you notice out of the corner of your eye that the grille covering the air return is a stark white color, indicative of being purchased from a large box store.  One seemingly simple thing like a grille can either bring a room together, or it can stick out like a sore thumb and become the center of attention—and not in a good way.

In a historical remodel, ensuring that you have the correct grille for the space is even more imperative. That's why we have an extensive catalog of high quality metal grilles.

Linear bar grilles from Coco Architectural

The correct grilles do more than provide serviceable heat and air.  They can either be a distraction from the space, or another flawless detail that makes everything flow together appropriately.  When Coco Architectural makes grilles, we have three main characteristics that we let guide us:

• The aesthetic impact on the space, either positive or negative
• The ability of the grille to perform as it was designed while also being made of quality to last
• Selection of installation features

In every situation in which a grille is required, a special set of needs must be met.  That’s why we’ve created our own line of products to ensure we meet those needs.  Whether a design incorporates a metal wall grille that must be removable, totally functional, and highly decorative, or if you need a strong reinforced floor grille, we have the pieces to meet your needs. 

Our unique capabilities include matching custom colors, special spacing between the bars of the grille, beveled grilles, extra flanged frames, or removable cores.  We can also achieve more standard features, such as access doors.

No matter the requirements for your design or remodel, Coco Architectural can meet your needs.  We have a team of industry professionals who can help you from the moment you meet the sales team all the way to our shop full of experienced craftsmen.  With our experience and understanding about the importance of high quality grilles, we can ensure that you’ll find the right mix of quality and function for your project.

Product overview - options for every space

No two spaces are exactly the same, and no two spaces need exactly the same grille.  We have many different kinds of grilles made from a variety of materials so you will be able to find the best solution for your space.  Our material options include:

• Aluminum:  This choice offers a great deal of flexibility regarding the final look of the grille.  Aluminum can be finished in satin, mirror polish, clean anodized, anodized color, or baked enamel color with either a liquid or powder coat. Aluminum can also be primed and painted on the job site.
• Brass:  This material can be made with either a satin or a mirror polish finish.  Brass can also have several different shades of statuary bronze, antiqued bronze, and blackened bronze.
• Bronze:  Grilles made from bronze may come in satin and mirror finishes.  Bronze grilles also have shades of statuary bronze, antiqued bronze, and blackened bronze.
• Stainless Steel:  If you’re looking for a sleek, modern feel, these grilles can have satin or mirror polish finishes, or they can be prepared for plating.
• Steel:  These grilles can come in a primed finish, ordered in baked enamel colors, or they can be prepared for plating.

L-Bead installation offers you an option of grilles that will sit flush with plaster walls, adding an important option in design. 

Coco Architectural Grilles & Metalcraft

Coco Architectural Grilles & Metalcraft have been a part of the custom metal fabrication industry since 1909.  Over that time we have developed a wide understanding about the best manufacturing and finishing methods of architectural grilles.  Our clients know they’ll receive exceptional workmanship, and a great education about how each grille is intended to look and work in a design.  Every project is our priority, and customer service and satisfaction is what we strive to accomplish for each and every order. If you already have an idea of what you need, you can easily get a quote from our talented team to see what incredible touches we can add to your project.

The New York skyline is made up of some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. From the shores of the Hudson River, the buildings of New York City create an image like none other. Nestled among the modern and sleek facades is a collection of some of the most historic hotels in the world. Each lovingly restored to its former glory, the following hotels mix the best of days-gone-by with the modern amenities and services New York guests have come to expect when visiting the Big Apple.

The Warwick New York Hotel

The Warwick New York Hotel, located on 65 West 54th Street, was built in 1926 by William Randolph Hearst. Built for his long-time love, actress Marion Davies, the Warwick quickly became a Manhattan icon known for its lavish accommodations and A-List guests. Some well-known regulars at the Warwick included such stars as the Beatles, Elvis Presley and long-time resident, Cary Grant. The Warwick has 426 guestrooms, including 67 suites. The hotel’s most recent renovation was completed in 2014 and features a palate of gray and champagne tones throughout the guest rooms and common areas. According to Hotel Online News, the renovation architect, Ellis-Carmody, worked hard to preserve the historic fixtures in the hotel by simply giving them a cosmetic upgrade. The Warwick is one of the most recognizable buildings in the historic and famous photo entitled Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.

The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel on 79th Street and Amsterdam is located in New York’s Upper West Side. This boutique hotel with 202 spacious rooms opened its doors in 1904. Designed by Mulliken and Moeller, the building features a reddish-brown façade that, due its heavy and thick construction, makes the exterior seem even more clay-like than other buildings of the same material. This welcoming hotel provides guests with a home-like feeling just a short walk or subway ride away from some of New York’s most exciting attractions. Both Central Park and the Natural History Museum are nearby, and visitors enjoy the European feel of the hotel and its surroundings. Newly renovated in 2008, each room features new tile and bathtubs as well as dark, wooden headboards and brocade blankets. This luxurious look compliments the high ceilings and elaborate window treatments.

The Iroquois Hotel

In July of 1899, on West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the Iroquois Hotel was born. Set in the heart of Midtown, the Iroquois was designed by Harry Mulliken, part of the famous architectural team of Mulliken and Moeller. A unique combination of apartment homes with hotel services, the Iroquois quickly became a destination for those who owned homes outside of the city but wanted a place to stay for long-term visits to Manhattan. During the 1990s, the Iroquois underwent a major renovation where many of the apartment homes with larger living spaces were split into rooms more fitting of its new “hotel” status. A total of 117 luxury rooms are now available to guests. Along with the guest rooms, the lobby was also completely refurbished during the renovation and a fitness center and first-floor library were also added.    

 The Waldorf Astoria

The original Waldorf Astoria Hotel was built in New York City in 1893 by millionaire, William Waldorf Astor. The 13-story building was the site of Astor’s own mansion located at the corner of 5th Avenue and 33rd Street, and was designed by the famous architect, Henry Hardenburgh. A short four years later, the Waldorf was joined by the Astoria, built on an adjacent sight by Astor’s cousin, John Jacob Astor IV. By 1919, both of the original owners of the Waldorf Astoria were deceased. William Waldorf Astor died on the Titanic, and John Jacob Astor died at his home in England. The original Waldorf Astoria was sold to developers in 1929 and would eventually become the site of the Empire State Building. In 1931, the new Waldorf Astoria opened its doors at its current location and immediately became the tallest and largest hotel in the entire world, even getting a nod from the then President Herbert Hoover in a radio broadcast. He called the hotel, “an exhibition of courage and confidence to the whole nation.” The Waldorf Astoria became part of the Hilton family of hotels when Conrad Hilton acquired the property in 1949. The Waldorf Astoria and the Towers of the Waldorf Astoria feature 1413 rooms, suites and private residences.    

The Plaza

The Plaza is one of the most celebrated hotels in America and opened for business on October 1, 1907. Also designed by famed architect Henry Hardenbergh, the hotel was built to resemble a French chateau. No expense was spared to make this the most lavish and opulent hotel in the world. The hotel originally served as a residence for the rich and famous of New York, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt were the first names listed on the register. The hotel has been featured in many movies throughout its history, and was the fictitious home of Eloise, one of its most famous young residents. Each of the 282 French-styled guest rooms and suites in this castle-like hotel has gold-plated fixtures and separate tubs and showers in the bathroom.  

The historic hotels found in the heart of New York tell the story of America like no other place in the world. Designed with rich architectural elements and attention to detail, these buildings are a testament to the vision and artistry of those responsible for their creation. 

The Marcus Garvey Apartments were built in the early 1970s in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, NY. At the time, they received major attention for their innovative urban planning approach to low-rise, high-density affordable housing. The complex included duplex apartments with private backyards or terraces, and most apartments had private front doors that open onto a stoop.

In 2014, the developers acquired the property with the promise of completely renovating the apartments,  including the addition of façade panels, new kitchens, new bathrooms, and energy efficient lighting. This was a major undertaking at a price tag of $50 million for the 625 Mitchell Lama units. Mitchel-Lama Housing Program is a nun-subsidy governmental housing guarantee in the state of New York. It was sponsored by New York State Senator MacNeil Mitchell and Assyblyman Alfred Lama. From the very beginning, the developers planned to preserve the intended purpose of the complex and maintain it as an affordable place to live.

Coco Architectural Grilles and Metalcraft was commissioned to produce panels to compliment the new façade. Each panel had to be custom perforated and expertly welded in order to garner the Coco Architectural seal of approval. The panels were installed as the facility was being renovated in early 2015. Below you’ll find a rendering of the courtyard and pictures of the metalwork Coco produced. As you will see, Coco’s metal work are focal points at the Marcus Garvey Apartments and we were extremely pleased that we were able to play a part in the renovation of this affordable housing complex for the development team and the tenants of the apartments.

Today’s metal crafting is one that has not truly evolved like other crafts. It’s true that techniques have been perfected and artistic limits may have been exceeded by present day craftsmen compared to those of old, but the techniques themselves are generally the same and have been for almost a hundred years. However, metal craft dates back many centuries all the way to the beginning of recorded history. The earliest metal crafting can be found as sculptures of deities and in churches and temples all over the world.   Iron, copper, silver and alloys like bronze, bell metal and white metal were some of the metals used to create these pieces of art.

Beginning the series, we will be reviewing present day metalwork.  In today’s world, metal crafting often gets grouped together with manufacturing and in Merriam-Webster, it defines manufacturing as “making (something) on a large scale using machinery.”  This is a rather broad statement that unfairly describes what most metal craftsmen consider their profession. Metal craftsmen create unique pieces of art, for a home, for a business or for a park. Whether it’s a sculpture, an iron fence, or door knobs for a renovation, the end result of a craftsmen work is unique to the project and invaluable to those who have it.

Ironworkers over a century ago did not have arc welders or the tools that you regularly see to join metals together as quickly and cleanly as they do today. The first single electrode, portable welding machine was created in 1911 by Lincoln Electric Co. Now, present day metal workers have more resources available than even imagined a century ago. They have the ability to create elaborate pieces of work using a multitude of methods, all of which are derived from the notion of piecing metal together to create genuine, one-of-a-kind designs.  

Metal crafting has evolved, but unlike other crafts and not in the sense that one would think. Craftsmen still use the same techniques, albeit revamped, to develop the pieces that are featured throughout the world. Metal pieces expertly crafted by metal workers last a great deal of time and because of this, one can compare the work of today to the work of yesteryear to see for themselves that metal craft has only slightly evolved and for good reason. We will soon begin reviewing metalwork throughout history and how exactly our craft has changed over the years. 

Tungsten Inert Gas welding is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. This is formally known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW. Easy enough, right? TIG welding is used in the industry for fine, exact welds on thinner metals. You are able to achieve the highest quality weld with TIG welding and of the entire arc welding methods; this is by far the most versatile. Another popular welding method is gas metal arc welds, or MIG welding. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages

Gas tungsten arc welding, GTAW, is slower than other welding techniques, as quality comes at the expense of time typically. With GTAW, you’re able to create clean welds because of the superior arc and weld puddle control. You’re also able to control the heat input on many GTAW welders so a premium weld bead control can be attained. When appearance matters, gas tungsten arc welding is the easy choice. For bike frames, automobiles, sculptures or linear bar grilles like we have at Coco Metals, GTAW is our number one choice.

The argon gas or argon/helium gas mixture commonly used in TIG welding creates much less smoke and fumes. Welders are left with high visibility of the working area and if working with clean, uncontaminated metal, visibility of the weld will be near perfect. Another benefit attributed to the GTAW process is that you can weld with or without filler unlike other types of welding, but if welding thicker metals, filler will need to be used to create a strong weld. The maneuverability of GTAW welding helps when working on flat, vertical and even overhead surfaces.  Gas tungsten arc welding is ideal for roll cages and bike frames because of the welders unconstrained positioning. We use GTAW welding for its ability to create precise, intricate and gorgeous weld lines that are invisible to the customer or patron when our metal products are finished.

The other type of welding we’ll be comparing is gas metal arc welding, commonly referred to as MIG welding. This method is used primarily on thicker metals and in applications where long weld lines are needed. MIG welding was developed in the 1940’s and today, the principles are very much the same. An arc of electricity is used to create a short circuit between a continuously fed anode: the wire-fed welding gun, and a cathode: the metal being welded. MIG welding can be used on a larger selection of metals than TIG welding, but because of the heat produced cannot be used on anything but flat or horizontal surfaces.

At Coco Architectural Grilles and Metal Craft, we apply both welding methods when welding our pieces along with other methods. Because our work is very detail oriented, we most often use the gas tungsten arc welding to have a stronger, cleaner and more appealing finished product. Both of these ways of welding come with advantages and disadvantages but depending on the project at hand, we may use both.