Tag: construction

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Architecture Design Featured Real Estate

The Bay is Framed by this Modern A-frame

photos by Mikiko Kikuyama

IN A TOP-TO-BOTTOM RENOVATION of a bay-side A-frame home on Fire Island, Bromley Caldari turned a seasoned beach rental into a sleek, modern hide-out. Rethinking the iconic 1960s A-frame form, architects R. Scott Bromley and Jerry Caldari broke through the envelope of the building to weave a sculptural staircase through the airy three-story structure. Working with local builder Walter Boss, the team made preserving the surrounding natural habitat and pristine views a priority.

 

photos by Mikiko Kikuyama

 

The A-Frame home had a spiral staircase that split the center of the home; four cramped, dark bedrooms; a leaky roof; and a cracked pile foundation. It was not the beautifully designed vacation home that is so often associated with Fire Island Pines. However, the architects, builders, and clients saw the potential, and the poolside sunsets over the Great South Bay were spectacular.

Blocking that great view and occupying the heart of the house was the old, six-foot-diameter steel spiral staircase. The clients were willing to sacrifice a bedroom or two to remove that remnant.

 

 

photos by Mikiko Kikuyama

 

With the lot coverage at its limit, Bromley and Caldari took advantage of a local law that permits bay windows to project a maximum of two feet from the building envelope. The new stair would tuck into two large bay windows staggered at different elevations on each side of the house, with a cat-walk balcony off the master bedroom to connect the two sides. Views of the bay are framed at each elevation.

 

photos by Mikiko Kikuyama

 

On the main level, of this A – Fram is a double-height living and dining room stretches the length of the window-clad North façade. The open kitchen and house utilities run along the south side. The master bedroom suite has full-height glass sliding doors to take advantage of the view. When privacy is required, the sliding glass doors fog up at the flick of a switch.

 

photos by Mikiko Kikuyama

 

Under the peak on the third level is a quiet second bedroom and den, which doubles as a third bedroom when needed. The two rooms are connected by a walkthrough bathroom with a glass shower enclosure on one side and a glass-enclosed powder room on the other. Pocket doors at each end allow for privacy

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Health NYC

The Challenges of Working on Large Outdoor Construction and Excavation Site

The challenges of working on large outdoor construction and excavation site
123rf.com

 

As if overseeing largescale construction and excavation projects wasn’t difficult enough, along came COVID-19 to throw another spanner in the works.

By now, building firms have gotten to grips with the safety measures that are necessary to keep workers and the public safe, and while social distancing and the like make completing construction works particularly difficult in some areas, the show must go on – the demand for new-build homes and commercial properties remains as feverish as ever.

So, parking the pandemic to one side for the moment, what other challenges do large outdoor construction or excavation projects face? And what do you need to be aware of to ensure that the project goes smoothly and that everyone is kept safe on the job?

Precise Project Management

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail – so said Benjamin Franklin, anyway. And he had a point.

If you fail to prepare your excavation project correctly, by not planning each step of the process with precise timelines and costing, or by failing to build in contingencies for delays and supply chain failure (more on that later), then the chances are that your build/dig will go horribly wrong.

Goal setting from the outset is vital. Construction projects can fall behind the deadline or run over budget – sometimes, that is simply unavoidable – but effective project management from the get-go can limit the risk of either. It’s useful for accountability, too.

What many firms find helpful is to break a large-scale project down into smaller sections, delegating the management of each where necessary and setting goals within each sub-set. Don’t forget, one error or delay can compound the overall build/dig, so keeping these to a minimum is paramount.

Another difference between success and failure on an excavation project? Effective communication. There are likely to be different teams within your overall dig. Keeping in constant contact with each of these will prove vital in outlining any potential pitfalls that may overcome the project. Disseminating information is essential to stop any breakdowns from occurring. Whether that is face-to-face communication or via Zoom or Microsoft Teams in this COVID age, be sure to take the time to talk with all contractors of your job. 

Adequate Risk Management 

It goes without saying that excavation projects – with major plant equipment and deep holes – are dangerous!

Safeguarding and putting processes in place that minimize the risks are vital because even with insurance in place, it is imperative that accidents and damage to property are avoided at all costs.

The complexities of that are increased by the presence of sub-contractors on-site, who may be certified and experienced, but that does not necessarily guarantee that accidents and incidents won’t occur. Refreshing your staff and contractors’ memories about the need for safe working practices will improve the efficacy of your dig exponentially.

This is as good a time as any to talk about excavation business insurance. It is essential that you have adequate cover in place before any work gets underway. At least then you have the peace of mind of knowing that should the worst happen, you will be protected legally and financially.

Most excavation business insurance policies will contain medical payment protection, so should a contractor or a member of the public suffer an injury on your site, then you will be covered for their medical treatment costs. You should be protected in the case of property damage too, so if your excavation team hits an underground pipe that causes a water or gas leak, then you will be covered.

Supply Chain Failure

Anyone that has been in the construction trade long enough knows that the supply chain in the sector is as fragile as it gets.

Getting equipment and materials onto your site in a timely fashion is ultimately key to ensuring you remain on course to meet your deadlines. Unfortunately, the reality is that that can be out of your hands if there are issues further up the chain.

All you can do is build contingencies into your project that allow for delays while effectively communicating with your staff and contractors to ensure that everyone is in the loop. 

Planning your excavation using effective project management will ensure that orders for supplies are placed in ample time. Even if there are delayed deliveries, you then remain in a good position. 

There will forever be challenges to large construction and excavation projects, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19. But with appropriate management, you can minimize the damage these have on your build or dig. 

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Business Featured Real Estate

Downtown Q&A: Janet Mcreesh

JANET MCREESH Owner of Duce Construction Corporation and mother of four. Formerly an assistant vice president at Oppenheimer Capital.

Janet Mcreesh

1.Name  three women  that inspire you,  and tell us why. 

My daughter, Katie, inspires me every day. She is intelligent and fearless. She cuts through the nonsense, stays on point, and accomplishes everything she sets her sights on. She is also a second mother to her brothers. I have loved watching her grow into an independent, strong, and well spoken young woman and dentistry student.  My mother, Leonor inspires me. She has been caring and loving her family my whole life. She has dedicated so much of her life to help me raise my family. It is her support that has enhanced my marriage by providing us with many opportunities to date and have fun. Whenever I want to give up a task, I think of her endless energy and constant willingness to help. I have a group of women in my life that I will call my “sisters.” They are all smart, funny, and caring. I consult with them monthly, weekly, and some daily. They advise me; they make me laugh; they keep me grounded; they love me; and they tell me the truth. They make me happy, and I would not be sane without them.

2. What  has been  the secret  to your success? 

Determination. The bigger the problem the more excited I get and find absolute determination to get it done. Whether it’s cooking a difficult recipe or working with elected officials to make changes to my community, I keep going until it’s done.

3. If   you were   going to pass   on one piece of advice  to a young woman looking  for success, what would it be? 

Trust your instincts, always.

4. In the fight for equality, what   area do you think needs the most  attention? 

Social media. So many outlets are concerned with cleavage and sexy bodies. They should be more concerned with women’s accomplishments and ideas.

5. What are you most proud of in your life? 

I’m most proud of my kids. If anyone would have told me how my kids were going to be, I would have laughed. I never thought I would be capable of raising four amazing humans. I have grown up and learned so much by watching the world through their eyes. Not a day goes by that one of my kids doesn’t teach me something or inspire me to do better the next day.

6. Where do you get your confidence?  

I was raised in an environment that allowed me to make mistakes and learn from them with no shame or humiliation, just compassion and patience.

7. What  makes a woman   beautiful? 

Her smile and her soul.

8. What    gives you   joy?  

Random acts of kindness. Solving problems. Leaving the gym after a challenging workout. Cooking family dinners.  Date night. Chatting with my “sisters.” Discussing politics and religion with my kids.

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Business Featured News Real Estate

Visit the Gorgeously Redesigned Lobby at 55 Broad Street

The Rudin Family, one of New York City’s leading owners, operators and developers of privately owned real estate, has completed construction of the redesigned lobby of its distinctive 30-story office building at 55 Broad Street in Lower Manhattan. 

With 55 Broad Street, Rudin commissioned world-renowned architectural firm Fogarty Finger to reimagine and enliven the entrance and the lobby at the 425,000 square-foot tower, which is located on the corner of Broad Street and Beaver Street.

The brand-new lobby features all new white marble interiors, textured terrazzo floors and ornamental marble, as well as a highly reflective ceiling that brings more light into the space. Additional features include upgraded security with state-of-the-art turnstiles, a new reception desk, new seating and an increased presence from the street level.  Since completing the renovation, fintech company Dailypay has expanded to an additional floor, taking over 22,000 square feet at 55 Broad Street.

“The new lobby design will modernize 55 Broad Street for decades to come,” said Samantha Rudin, Senior Vice President at Rudin. “In working with Fogarty Finger, we created a lobby that merges the coolness of marble and a contemporary design with classic, warm details. Tenants and visitors alike will be welcomed into a space that is both new and timeless.”

The multi-million dollar project also continues Rudin’s ongoing reinvestment in its existing New York City commercial portfolio. Most recently, the company redesigned the lobby and public areas of 41 Madison in the Flatiron District, and completed a major renovation of its ground floor plaza and subway entrance at 560 Lexington Avenue in Midtown East.

Developed by the Rudin Family in the early 1960s and designed by Emery Roth & Sons, 55 Broad Street has long been regarded as one of the most significant smart buildings in the history of Lower Manhattan. The building was originally designed as the headquarters for Goldman Sachs before being occupied by Drexel Burnham Lambert. In the early 1990s, the Rudins worked to renovate, reengineer and transform the property into one of the most technologically-advanced towers in the world and the building was a leader in the revitalization of Downtown Manhattan.

In 1995, 55 Broad Street became the first fully wired office building in New York City, offering tenants satellite accessibility, single and multi-mode fiber optics, high speed category 5 copper wire, as well as a wide range of video conferencing, and internet access options and capabilities and a complete state-of-the-art work environment. It is currently designated Wired Certified Platinum for best-in-class connectivity, and notable tenants include Crown Castle Fiber, PJ Mechanical, City Year and Statista.

In addition to 55 Broad Street, other downtown office buildings owned by Rudin Management include One Battery Park Plaza, 80 Pine Street, One Whitehall Street, 110 Wall Street and 32 Avenue of the Americas.

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Business Featured Living Real Estate

Getting Your Home Ready for Spring with Duce Construction Corporation

Exteroir Front

As Spring finally arrives, we talked with Duce Construction Corporation, a full-service general contractor and construction management firm specializing in building and renovating high-end luxury homes in the Tri-State area, about how to prepare your home or apartment for seasonal changes. Office manager Janet McCreesh fills us in!

Downtown: Why is it important to prepare your home for each season? 

Janet McCreesh: It is important because temperature and humidity greatly influence your homes, and those factors vary widely in the Tri-State area each season. In the warmer months, high levels of humidity will cause wood to expand, and direct sunlight can damage artwork and fabrics. In the colder weather, pipes can freeze causing flooding, and low humidity levels can damage furniture, art, millwork, doors, and paint. Different HVAC equipment may be used for each season. This equipment should be maintained or adjusted.

Downtown: Why should we go with a professional company like Duce for our seasonal home preparation needs?

JM: We have over three decades of experience and an established standard of excellence. We have seen a lot of different homes and problems caused by lack of maintenance. Just like with dental care, we are trained to identify & remedy issues while they are still small & easy to fix, to preempt more costly & disruptive repairs in the future. A little professional maintenance goes a long way. We bring unparalleled expertise, quality, craftsmanship and professionalism to every job.

Rooftop Construction

Downtown: What are a few things that we should look for in an apartment dwelling to prepare for the coming spring season?

JM: Check around all windows and doors to make sure you don’t feel any drafts or moisture – if you do, openings should be repaired before the April showers descend. All filters should be changed in air conditioners, air purifiers and HVAC units. Check hinges on doors and drawers for any squeaks (as humidity levels increase, doors and drawers will swell & tight ones can stick!). Clean the dust from refrigerator grills and coils. If any cracks have formed in corners over the drier winter months, caulk over them to keep pests out.

Downtown: What should homeowners with large houses, beach houses, or winter houses consider?

JM: Homeowners should check around their water heaters for signs of leaks, look closely at all stone surfaces (counter tops) for signs of cracks, and inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation. Check all faucets for leaks, clean aerators, and replace washers if necessary. Clean out dryer vent dust traps to increase the machine’s efficiency & prevent duct fires. Replace filters in all HVAC systems. Check system for proper operation and perform any oiling adjustments.

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Business News Real Estate

287 East Houston Top Off on Lower East Side

Keep your eyes to the sky this afternoon and you may catch a glimpse of a shining beam moving high atop the property structure for 287 East Houston Street on the Lower East Side.

This builders’ rite, known as a top off, is the celebration of the final beam being placed during construction and includes a ceremony to celebrate the key moment. The residential luxury property is located on East Houston Street between Clinton and Suffolk, and once completed will be a new gem in the city’s skyline treasure chest.

“We are proud to be developing this boutique property at the nexus of the Lower East Side and the East Village,” said Andres Hogg of Hogg Holdings.

“This neighborhood has a palpable cosmopolitan energy, and our residents have a dizzying array of nightlife, an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, and now, major residential services like Whole Foods and Union Market at their doorstep,” he added.

Described as a modern interpretation of classic cast iron buildings on the Lower East Side, 287 East Houston Street has an angled roof and a facade of blackened steel and black textured brick. Once finished, the apartments will feature floor to ceiling windows, heated bathroom floors and white oak flooring with plain sawn cuts.

Residents will also be able to enjoy the many amenities offered, including a part-time doorman and virtual doorman, landscaped roof terrace with outdoor kitchen, fitness center and laundry room. “Aside from the neighborhood, what really makes 287 East Houston unique is that about half of our residences feature panoramic views both north and south, from the Midtown Skyline and Empire State Building to all the way Downtown and One World Trade – a truly unexpected luxury in this part of the city,” explained Jose Grabowsky from Vinci Partners.

“Now that construction has topped off, we’re thrilled to be able to share this reality with buyers,” Grabowsky ended.