That’d be odd to let it turn green over time given the theme seemed to present a gold/bronze color along with the terracotta. Not saying you’re wrong, but I wonder how that’s a better look than what we have now 
The bronze turning green would arguably make it more inspired by classic NY towers.
I doubt it will be a better look, just cheaper to maintain. Kind of goes against the uber luxury this property exudes.
Yes, I am reading today about how bronze metal does develop a very attractive ‘greenish’ patina: not dark brown as I mistakenly stated earlier in this thread. This will be only more beautiful with the passage of time; but it will be quite a few years before the finish is in ‘full bloom’ green.
The terra-cotta is another story, as you can see from the article posted here: that material did not age well on the Woolworth building. I think it safe to assume someone has considered this little detail, particularly since shoP is housed in the Woolworth Building. 
This will age as well as the Chrysler building, the Empire State building and the 666 5th Avenue building: all have stood up well to the test of time.
If you want to see how quickly the change occurs, take a peek at the American Cooper Buildings on the east side and see how much they have changed in the short time that has passed since they were completed. Now the terra-cotta used on this building is far more advanced and engineered than what was used on the Woolworth so I’m not worried about it aging badly.
It’s down like one or two segments
by 2028 the taxi & livery fleet will be EV and trucking will shift into high gear on the FCEV front so most of the pollution from the auto industry will disappear. Hydrogen production is another story but at least the smog will be gone
I wonder what that thin rod is on the east side of the parapet
For lightning I believe. I think I saw an Insta post here or elsewhere where the contractors were installing it.
Edit: found it:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CFimWA4nNRy/?igshid=1gg2mwhbhqtde
They should add a second one for symmetry.
Great link to video. Wonder if the rod also has a light beacon too for aircraft. Watching that video reminded the of the REM song “stand”. ‘Stand in the place that you live, now face north, think about direction…wonder why you haven’t before’. Great song.
See all that braided copper wire at he base: grounding thousands of volts of live electricity.
There have been many fantastic posts about this building - but this one was the most ‘SHOCKING’ of all so far. 