The initial goal was to modernize the interior of the structure completely, but without damaging the historical integrity of the exterior. “We also wanted to make the building more efficient, operationally and functionally,” Chris MacArthur, vice president of operations at Bromley Cos., told Commercial Property Executive<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the architect interview process, it became clear that the entrance should be moved off of Fifth, a view also embraced by the selected architects\u2014STUDIOS Architecture. One idea led to another, which was that they needed to expand into the adjacent parking lot to achieve a larger contiguous space. Today, following a $100 million investment, 122 Fifth encompasses 300,000 square feet, with 18,000 square feet of retail, office plates ranging from 27,000 to 33,000 square feet and nearly 15,000 square feet of rooftop terraces and gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “At its core, this project was a complete rebirth of a building,” explained Roy Vice, senior vice president of construction and development at Bromley Cos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even as the exterior was being preserved, the interior was effectively undergoing a ground-up job, introducing all new mechanical and electrical systems. This complex overhaul of 112 Fifth brought it once again into the spotlight and turned on the natural light inside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO<\/strong>: The Impact of NYC\u2019s 1st Climate Budgeting Initiative: A Skanska Exec\u2019s View<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n “As a T-shaped building with limited fa\u00e7ades on Fifth Avenue, 17th and 18th streets, and a core sitting at the center of the main spine, there wasn\u2019t too much light getting deep into the building,” said Tom\u00e1s Quijada, associate principal at Studios Architecture. “By removing the core from the old building and shifting it into a central yet discreet portion of the new building, light can penetrate deeper into the floorplate and provide an easier direct visual connection to sunlight as well,” he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this reimagining of the core strategy, the architects were able to uncover some windows that were boarded up on the light well, providing additional light at the crux of the T-shaped building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n STUDIOS Architecture played a pivotal role in 122 Fifth’s redesign, serving as the main draftsman and spearheading several innovative contributions, MacArthur confessed. Their solutions are the result of the architects pushing Bromley to “think differently about the opportunities inherent in rethinking the entire property.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n One such example is the decision to build out the new lot and move the core entirely out of the old building into the new one. Another is consolidating the elevators into the new addition, a decision which opened up the plannable tenant areas, improving flexibility and filling them with light, fit features for the tenancy in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The annexation of the new building to the original structure unfolded seamlessly and occurred across two plans: outside and inside. On the exterior, STUDIOS searched far and wide for a blend of bricks that matched the old and a material that aligned with the historic limestone elements. Also, the rooftop terrace and building addition create a common space for the old and the new buildings, all while complying with LPC requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the interior, the former exterior window openings were expanded to become passageways between the old and the new structures. In addition, the interior finishes are consistent and the floor levels are maintained, so the transition between the two eras is smooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The new lounge-like lobby, situated in the new building expansion, continues the neutral palette of the fa\u00e7ade, featuring a dark metal fin feature wall, in front of which sits a monolithic bronze finished reception desk,” described Quijada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another notable design element was the introduction of a new canopy, which harkens back to the building\u2019s turn of the century roots, according to Vice. STUDIOS Architecture also reduced the size of the pavilion, thereby creating more outdoor space for tenants to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The building at 122 Fifth Ave. has various amenities focused on the holistic needs of modern employees. On the ground floor, there is a bike room with spa-inspired bathrooms for those health-conscious tenants who choose to commute to work and need to freshen up before heading to their office. The top floor features a pavilion with room for employees to work while taking in stunning views of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, the location itself is a prized amenity. Situated in Union Square, 122 Fifth embodies the concept of a five-minute-city, where essential services and amenities are within a short walk. “This prime location is a significant contributor to both LEED and Fitwel certifications, as it provides excellent access to public transit, making commuting easy and reducing reliance on personal vehicles,” shared MacArthur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inside the building, the size and speed of the elevators paired with advanced technology ensure efficient vertical transportation and easy navigation throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The floorplan is designed for optimal layout and ease of movement, contributing to a seamless experience for tenants,” said Bromley. The lobby sets a modern and professional tone from the outset and stands out among other buildings through key features like “a bespoke scent,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The latest technology in heating and HVAC systems provides consistent and comfortable indoor climate control<\/a>. Moreover, integrated security systems, including elevator access control, boost safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During the final phases of 122 Fifth\u2019s renovation, the owner implemented Nantum AI, a piece of software sometimes referred to as the “brain within the building,” which gathers data from IoT sensors over the points of entry\/exit in the building lobby. This helps to know when the building is occupied and at what capacity, therefore certain parameters can be modified to address the occupancy conditions at all times. Simply put, when the tenant leaves, it decreases the air system, which in turn saves energy, carbon emissions and dollars, explained MacArthur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The system uses comprehensive alerting features to notify the building team and the Nantum AI team if certain conditions are outside of an acceptable range,” said Amit Paul, vice president of smart buildings at Nantum AI. It helps the owners “find their building\u2019s sweet spot” and calibrate algorithms as needed, such as being less aggressive on energy savings and focusing more on occupant comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nantum AI is integrated directly with the building automation system (BAS), which enables it to capture real-time data from the BAS using the building\u2019s existing sensor network. Then, it uses this data and other real-time data points to generate recommendations to optimize building energy consumption and provide operators with insights on operational anomalies with their building equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO:<\/strong> Beyond Aesthetics: Prioritizing Well-Being in Workplace Design<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The implementation of Nantum AI provided increased energy efficiency, which weighted heavily in the U.S. Green Building Council\u2019s decision to award 122 Fifth a LEED Gold certification. Additional sustainable features include separate water retention systems that help to efficiently manage and recycle rainwater. Green roofs not only contribute to reducing the urban heat island effect but also provide extra insulation and green spaces, while the inclusion of a bike room promotes environmentally friendly transportation and a healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The development team used green construction practices, such as low VOC materials, and ensured proper disposal during demolition. These not only minimize the environmental impact but they also enhance indoor air quality, which is further improved by advanced air filtration systems. In addition, they\u2019ve used locally sourced materials, which reduced transportation emissions and supported the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When drawing the renovation plans, Bromley Cos. also targeted Fitwel certification, which they are presently expecting. “You could see this in the new design\u2014shifting the focus to user satisfaction and enjoyment\u2014which was not the original intent of the building upon construction in the early 1900s, or even in its ulterior renovation,\u201d shared MacArthur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The renovation process at 122 Fifth was far from dull, as several significant challenges tested the development team\u2019s adaptability and perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, much of the construction occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city was effectively shut down, recalls Vice. This led to numerous supply chain problems<\/a>, which ultimately necessitated sourcing alternative materials and solutions while keeping an eye on the quality of the finished product. Furthermore, while the renovation was underway, Bromley was also accommodating an anchor tenant\u2019s buildout<\/a>, which required coordination and planning to minimize disruptions, he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, working on a 120-year-old building was not without surprises, as during construction, the development team discovered many undocumented modifications performed over the years. Many of these required on-the-spot problem-solving and flexibility, Vice said. As beautiful as it is, the building\u2019s cast iron frame with numerous arches further complicated the renovation due to its intricate and challenging structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"122](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/08\/1899-ca-NYHS.jpg?w=620\")
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