Commercial

THE BOWERY HOTEL

Project Manager/Designer: Tamar Kisilevitz

Completion Date: APRIL 2007

Location: NoHo, NYC

Visit: https://www.theboweryhotel.com

The commercial / retail components are located on the cellar, first and second floors, supporting a hotel building flanked by the ten story residential tower above. Additional uses include large roof terraces for the guests and residents and generous corridors and lobbies for the hotel portion. The basic principles that informed the design for the Bowery Tower were: -The creation of a focal point for a prominent intersection along New York's famed Bowery. -Tying this relatively large building into the vibrant neighborhood that surrounds and supports it. -Providing a variety of open spaces that maximize panoramic views of New York City. -Floor layouts that maintain a level of control and direction for future growth.

Carroll Street Silo House

Project Manager/Designer: Tamar Kisilevitz

Completion Date: 2001

Location: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

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The design concept started from the analysis of the lifestyles of the two occupants; one welcomes people from the outside, but needs privacy once they are inside and the other is self-contained, but seeks stimulation from external sources. Inspiration was drawn from the inherent beauty and simplicity of the 6-inch thick exposed concrete walls, and the proximity to the canal and the Carroll Street Bridge as emotive elements, tying the project into a non-conventional landscape. The ultimate use of the space dictated varied treatments to the two silos; for the smaller one, partitions are removed from the perimeter to form a central service core, with the main spaces open to each other around the space. As the tanks were previously topless, a flat roof was built over the small silo that would provide a roof terrace for the writer’s studio, and a cylindrical sloping roof was built for the large silo with an elaborate ventilation system and wedge-shaped operable skylights that create a continuous flood of light overhead. Wooden rafters radiating from the centre outward provide the structure for the new roof. Prior to any construction, the silos were de-contaminated; thus, the structures were retained without having to provide additional exterior or interior coatings. Throughout the revamping of the once unused oil tanks, this project presents a successful new approach toward preservation of structures that might have otherwise been lost through unnecessary demolition.

aptsandlofts.com Office

Project Manager/Designer: Eugene Drubestskoy

Completion Date: Completed

Location: East Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Visit: www.aptsandlofts.com

The design for the company's second location draws inspiration from the firm's logo, specifically its orange color and pixilated font, which was translated into freestanding elements in the space.

Bronx Shopping Center

Project Manager/Designer: Mary Butterworth

Completion Date: 2007

Location: South Bronx, New york

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Renovation of an existing retail complex, upgrading it for use by a wider range of tenants for longer periods of time.

Clinton Ave.

Project Manager/Designer: Roberto de los Rios

Completion Date: March 2006

Location: Clinton Hill

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A through-lot (fronting on two streets) developed into two sculptural 125 foot high towers that are separated by an interior courtyard. These buildings stand alone in a low rise manufacturing area and offer multiple views of the city due to their height advantage.

Franklin Street

Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano Jr.

Completion Date: December 2006

Location: Green Point

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Evidence of the pre-existing parti wall proves that there used to be a 4 story building on this site. Working with the structural engineer and client to develop a scheme with minimal intervention to the site and business made this project unique to our office. The concept for the exterior is to weave the skin of the existing building into the addition by using the corrugated metal to frame the windows. The articulation of the header coarse of the existing brick wall, allows the presence of the addition to sink into the base and become part of the rhythm that drives the proportion of the elevation. The proposal bridges the gap between the parti walls of the adjacent buildings and fills the void of a memory lost.

Bridge Street

Project Manager/Designer: David Blaustein

Completion Date: ecember 2005

Location: DUMBO

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Most industrial buildings were constructed either for factory uses or heavy loading as warehouses. Since these uses no longer represent the best use for owners, the zoning resolution recognizes the support required to continue these uses and allows owners to expand existing non-complying buildings, but only up to 50% of their existing floor area, regardless of the floor area permitted by the underlying zoning district. Many buildings are now taking advantage of these provisions to allow for a higher return and increase the lower rental value. Adding floors to these types of buildings can be tricky because of the present day building code requirement for compliance with seismic design. The connection between old and new and the enhancement of the existing structure is typically mandated by these additions. A rigid core running from old to new and diagonal interior bracing allow both structures to act as one and resist wind forces and other load factors. The look of a new five story mass topping the existing building is controlled by the zoning resolution's sky exposure plane and by aesthetic considerations relating to that much bulk over an existing structure. By extending the addition along the side of the existing building as well as the top, the two begin to blend. With fenestration that matches the existing buildings openings, the addition appears to be a completion rather that an addition. Clean lines with exterior balconies and trim further unite the two structures and the signage from the street level reminds passerby's where they are in a big way.

Eighth Avenue

Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano Jr.

Completion Date: June 1995

Location: Chelsea-NYC

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Working with historically designated buildings of New York City is always a challenge. In this project, a landmark bank building was converted into a carpet showroom. Since the interior and the exterior are designated New York landmarks, the design approach was to do as little as possible, treating the new use as temporary and reversable. In designing the carpet display systems, detailing became the center of the project. A free-standing braced rack system was developed, removed from the perimeter walls and separate from any part of the original building. A new stair and mezzanine were added, bearing on the floor and not the walls. Thanks to the sensitive restoration work, creative design of details and humble placement of retail elements, the rich and lavish past of this space is as alive as ever.

49th Avenue

Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano Jr.

Completion Date: April 2000

Location: Long Island City, NY

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This "boutique" office building located in Long Island City, New York, an area undergoing a rapid gentrification process due to ongoing redevelopment along the East River. The elements, consisting of indoor parking, conference rooms, offices and office support systems, have been arranged on this flag-shaped lot to take advantage of views onto the adjoining public park at the rear. The conceptual design process was drawn directly from the client's needs as a company specializing in securities consulting. The facade communicates this quality through the use of modern building technologies, such as a sloping glass curtain wall and a tiered synthetic stucco facade. The divided central glass wall, individual windows and stepping-back of the facade give the impression of a solid, grounded building, the use of these elements give a monumental scale to what is otherwise a minor building. The austere and simplified design helped to complete this 6,000 square foot building in less than 12 months, at a cost of $80/sf. Similarly inspired designs are beginning to be constructed in close proximity. As the neighborhood continues to develop, the building has contributed to the local community by stretching the boundaries of the typical brick office building. As one neighbor put it: "The building is private, but the facade is public".

Apollo Street

Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano Jr.

Completion Date: March 2002

Location: Green Point

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Realizing the market need for additional space the owner of this modest Two (2) Story tax payer knew that to attract suitable tenants for the new upper levels he would have to provide certain key amenities open, column free spaced, large expanses of glass, high ceilings and oversize passenger elevators were just a few of the added items. Using the roof as an added tenant bonus the elevator was extended up to the rood to be used as a recreation space for all the tenants. A voiding a simple bulk addition was difficult and by breaking up the mass and varying the fenestration at the new levels the addition. Speaks to a language of modern architecture believing that even simple buildings can be elegant it is clear that designs can be improved with the right approach.

Columbus Avenue

Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano Jr.

Completion Date: February 2003

Location: Upper West Side-Manhattan

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Creating an interior that is noteworthy can be a daunting task. If you add into this the exterior dictates of the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission, you have a receipt for either a fabulous destination or a complete disaster. Luckily, the personalities of all those concerned melded together to crate the synergy of what is now "Martell's West Bar", a contemporary meeting place. This location was the third in a series of places designed by Scarano & Associates together with the owner. A distinctive interior marks the renovation, which striped clean the entire interior of deteriorated finishes. The ground level facade restored and replaced what were previously unauthorized alterations and signage, reuniting the entire ground floor of the existing building into a coherent base. The simple yet striking interior finishes welcome and support the patron's views of the space.

York Street

Project Manager/Designer: David Blaustein, Orlando Garcia

Completion Date: January 2005

Location: Dumbo

Visit: http://www.gallinausa.com/arcoplus_323_11.htm

The first time you stand on the roof of this one hundred year old building with its skyline views of New York City, the Manhattan Bridge on one side, and a busy expressway on the other, you realize the potential of this site. The design for such a powerful location, which thousands of people come across daily, presented an exciting challenge. The strategy we adopted was to create a structure that no one can ignore. The leading concept was to sustain contextual elements on the site, and in contrast, to take these elements and embed them in innovative architecture. The Manhattan Bridge is the most visibly striking element of the site, running parallel to it only 20 feet away. For this reason, we designed an exposed steel truss system for the skeleton to intensify the dialogue between the structures. The design embodies a strong sense of dynamics. The structural axis is separated from the building exterior finish, providing a sense of movement, which is enhanced by the flying roof, sharp angles, and horizontal texture on the surface. In addition to its visual impact, the Scarano & Associates Architect's office addition serves as an instructional laboratory for structure and design. It illustrates over one hundred steel joint conditions, multiple curtain-wall applications of varying complexity, a variety of materials, and methods of intervention with historic structures. The entire staff is involved in the construction process from procurements to crane placement and site safety. All materials and systems are presented to the staff prior to installation and then applied in the field. It is the ultimate; hands-on' learn-design-build experience.

Lynch Street

Project Manager/Designer: Robert M. Scarano Jr.

Completion Date: January 2006

Location: Williamsburg

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This project is the proposed two story addition to an existing two-story building, which functions as a Religious Educational Center. As a place for young students to congregate, study and interact, the existing brick building serves to provide a well grounded feeling, and the addition compliments it by enhancing the religious focus of this institution with its dynamic forms, delicate fenestration and light aluminum panel. The addition of a second and third floor brings the building up to 40,000 square feet, in direct response to the growing need to accommodate a larger student body. The 20,000 square foot addition includes a library, assembly hall, classrooms, study areas, a secondary cafeteria, and offices. The structural system is bearing walls with a truss system, which spans the entire width of the building to carry the new roof. This bold design presents a new face in the neighborhood with its three new facades, highlighting the integration of old and new, and stimulating development on the neighboring lots as well.

Heyward Street

Project Manager/Designer: Eugene Drubestskoy

Completion Date: February 2004

Location: Williamsburg

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The rising demand for commercial spaces in a predominantly residential district, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, prompted the client to expand his existing three story building to the maximum allowable zoning floor area. The existing condition of the building, however, proved a challenge in achieving this desired goal. Originally, the entire site consisted of three small lots, each with a three story residential walk up building. In later years, these were combined and converted into a single commercial structure. Poor construction, countless alterations and severe settlement, prevented the addition of floor area over the existing building by bearing down upon it. The solution was to construct a completely independent structure, or exoskeleton, which supports the new two story addition. Four steel columns, partially inserted into the front and rear walls, support four trusses from which the two new floors will be hung. The bracing needed to stabilize the 60 foot high columns was carefully concealed behind opaque glass, allowing unobstructed views from the offices. The facade is now a combination of new and old. Most of the existing brick was replaced by a glass curtain wall with metal louvers. The entire first floor, to a point half of the height of the third floor, was replaced with new brick to preserve the original look of the building. Floor to ceiling windows were used to open up the structure to much needed natural light. The design brings a fresh look to an otherwise conservative neighborhood. The lightness and transparency of the building provides a welcoming contrast to the massive masonry surrounding buildings of the Williamsburg community. By providing an inviting look, the building becomes accessible to the public eye, while softening what is otherwise a very harsh streetscape.

Willoughby Avenue

Project Manager/Designer: Alex Zhitnik

Completion Date: August 2003

Location: Williamsburg

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This project is located in a commercial district at the intersection of Bedford and Willoughby Avenues in Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The location of the project next to a gas station made the building visible from the intersection, this allowed the design to emphasize cantilevered elements above the entrance and glass turning the corner. The elevations created in the Bauhaus style give a clean look in contrast to the existing masonry homes in the neighborhood. The elevation, composed in relation to the existing setback of the neighboring building, continued the street wall context as a major element. At three stories with a mezzanine and roof terrace at the mezzanine level. The buildings scale is not readily apparent. The structure is of concrete masonry units for its perimeter walls and steel beams for the cantilevered portion on the street elevation. Floor assemblies of steel beams and concrete decks at the parking level and light gauge metal joists on the upper floors complete the structure. The program included a full cellar for storage, parking for the owner's trucks and personal vehicles and offices.