March 5, 2026 • F.W. Woolworth Co.

Concrete Finish Secures 277-Gallon Grease Trap at Woolworth Building

Concrete is troweled around the grease traps in the Woolworth building.
Fresh concrete is troweled around the grease trap frame.

Fresh concrete is being troweled around the steel frame of the 277-gallon grease trap inside the ground floor of the F.W. Woolworth Co. building. This finishing step creates a smooth, reinforced collar around the slightly raised lid while sealing and securing the frame in place. Proper consolidation of the concrete strengthens the perimeter, reduces the risk of cracking and ensures the system performs reliably for future restaurant tenants.

With the frame locked into place and the surrounding floor finished cleanly around it, the system is fully prepared for reliable, long-term commercial use.

Concrete being finished around raised grease trap lid.
A margin trowel is used to smooth the concrete around the edge of the lid’s perimeter.

Learn more about the full restoration plan for the F.W. Woolworth Co. building.

Restoration Updates

See daily progress on Historic Cleveland Street