Archaeologists of the future might be able to learn something about present-day humans by studying the facade of 34 Union Square East.

They could conclude that today’s Homo sapiens considered copper somewhat precious. By looking at the building, they might also be able to guess a typical person’s height.

A half-dozen large copper panels have been stripped, from the ground up, off the two-story building, which has been vacant since a restaurant there closed in October 2007. Assuming that no stepladders or milk crates were used, a person about six feet tall, with arms outstretched and a forceful tug and perhaps a bit of tiptoe, was most likely the culprit.

Sheets of stained plywood are exposed up to about 10 feet high. Above that, the panels are intact.

The stripping began in September, according to Bonnie Gold, a partner in RAB Realty, which owns the building. And there have been thefts at the building since then. Mounted lanterns have disappeared from the exterior, and someone broke in and looted copper pipes from the building’s three kitchens, Ms. Gold said.