One of the largest restoration projects ever undertaken in the US, the Museum of Immigration interprets the immigration experience on three levels: the architectural restoration of the landmark; the design of a national museum; and the creation of a public resource for research. Finegold Alexander, together with Beyer Blinder Belle, designed the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Beaux Arts Main Building, one of the most symbolically important structures in American history.

Considerable archival and on-site photographic, historic, and archaeological research was undertaken by the design team. Based on the research, a decision was made to return the Main Building to its 1918-24 period. The most important areas, both historically and architecturally, were faithfully restored. Other spaces, primarily in the two wings, were converted for modern museum needs.

‍