Tag Archives: building design

Developer, Featured, New Building

Manhattan High-rise

21-Story Manhattan High-rise

Scope

The EDG team initially performed a property analysis for this entire city block on 106th Street, between Madison and Fifth Avenues. The project aimed to unlock the property’s maximum value by utilizing the maximum allowable floor area, repurposing existing space, and increasing parking on the site. As a result, our work includes designing approximately 170,000 sq. ft. in total new floor area and renovating 48,000 sq. ft. as part of over ten projects throughout the development site.

Approach

The owner previously retained two other consultants who determined only 20,000 sq. ft. of the remaining FAR could be used. We revisited the original zoning analysis performed on the existing site and found multiple locations to construct approximately 170,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area. Our work also included navigating the Harlem-East Harlem Special Purpose District, recent rezoning, and the original zoning at construction. We looked at the site holistically, carefully examining the existing building’s operations while considering the seamless integration of the proposed buildings. We also considered structural considerations for all proposed work.

Impact

Our high-level understanding of zoning and building design experience gives us the advantage of having a complete picture of a development site. We navigated many zoning and code considerations for the project, including subdividing the site. We de-risked dozens of potential issues on an incredibly complex site to make the development possible. As a result of our initial work finding ways to capture the full underutilized FAR, we are currently designing the reprogramming of 48,000 sq. ft. of ground floor spaces, including retail, commercial, and community facility space; a 60-car parking garage expansion; additional commercial/community facility space; the consolidation of lobbies to recapture floor area; as well as the design of a new 21-story residential tower.

Corporate, Renovation

VANS Herald Square

VANS Herald Square

Scope

Growing VANS’ “Off-The-Wall” legacy, the leader in footwear and skateboarding sought to open a new store in Herald Square. Located less than 100 yards away from Manhattan’s busiest intersection, the existing four-story, 100+ year old structure required an extensive gut renovation. RGLA engaged EDG for structural design services, including the creation of 20-ft. high ceilings above the retail space, a new elevator installation rising from the basement through fourth floor, a new stairwell installation connecting the first and second floor, and a refreshed storefront conveying the VANS brand.

Approach

The existing structure was a complicated amalgam of previous renovation campaigns, which became an unwieldy patchwork of century-old building materials and techniques mixed with modern construction. With deep knowledge of both historic and modern construction, EDG analyzed the conditions and employed best practices to bring the project vision to fruition. To create the double-height ceilings, EDG removed the third floor in its entirety – a task which required the removal of an exterior masonry wall and load transfer to a new steel support structure hidden within the walls and ceiling of the second floor below.

Impact

Given the location’s prominence, it was imperative to open the retail space prior to Black Friday. By engaging modern structural analysis software, EDG was able to immediately update designs based on architectural revisions and in-field conditions. Providing constant onsite representation throughout the tight construction schedule, the EDG team was responsive to all unexpected conditions and updates. From initial concept through close out, the entire project was completed in less than six months, with the store opening before Thanksgiving. The exciting new space transformed a complex existing structure into an immersive customer experience center, expanding VANS’ street culture influence in the heart of Manhattan.