Project Name: Midtown East Corporate Headquarters
This masonry and timber edifice located in midtown Manhattan, was originally built in 1926. Since that time, it has served as a warehouse, commercial mixed use, school and back to warehouse showroom before being repurposed again in 2016. The most recent adaptation is the corporate headquarters for a global media firm that wanted an historic, open, light filled office environment.
The rich patina of the existing wood structure was brought back to life with a combination of organic and inorganic sanding media. Mechanical and electrical elements were left exposed to provide un-obstructed views from back to front. Looking up, occupants view the rhythmic, fluid patterns of conduit and pipe contrasted to the rectilinear structure beyond. Up-lighting from LED pendants that hang 3’ to 4’ below the ceiling, illuminate these features and augment the sense of space. Conference room walls stop short of the ceiling to allow the floor structure to flow through.
Portions of masonry walls, that bare remnants of prior uses and occupants, were preserved for their story telling value. The remaining masonry walls were left relatively unfinished. Two coats of paint didn’t erase the mottled, pitted patterns beneath the saturated colors.
To meet current industry standards of comfort, safety and code compliance required a variety of technical expertise. Scope of the work included a new air handling system, lighting, power, elevator upgrades, structure and additional emergency egress.
The furnishings chosen are as eclectic as the building design. To address flexibility, power was placed in the floor to accommodate a variety of furniture types and placement. New electrical risers are left exposed to show off their smooth cylindrical shapes.
Net-net, occupants are thrilled with the transition from their prior cubical dominated offices.