GEA spearheaded the MEP/FP design for the renovation and upgrade of an existing 18-story high-rise building located at 511 Fifth Avenue, originally built circa 1917. The building, which includes two subgrade levels, covered a total area of 161,761 sf and was occupied by a single tenant, Israel Discount Bank. The building was completely vacant during the renovation process. Significant improvements had been made between 2007 and 2013, focusing on modernizing and replacing some cooling, heating, and vertical transportation equipment.
The primary goal of this project was to implement and comply with the recently enacted NYC Local Law 97, aimed at reducing or eliminating the building’s carbon footprint and fossil fuel usage. The scope of work was determined based on a thorough evaluation of the building’s existing equipment condition, reusability, and compliance with Local Law 97. This comprehensive evaluation guided the selection of equipment and the overall renovation strategy to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
The renovation included a detailed survey of the existing MEP/FP system conditions, followed by a report with recommendations. The project involved the demolition of existing fit-out work on both retail and office floors, with selective demolition and modification of MEP/FP systems as required by the approved recommendations. The heating system upgrade replaced existing steam perimeter radiation on office floors with a new hydronic system, including perimeter heating units and controls, and applied to ducts and built-in heating coils in air handlers and fan coils as applicable.
A complete MEP/FP systems fit-out for a new lobby facing 43rd Street was planned, including a new facade, structure/building addition, and access to rear service corridors and stairs. This fit-out work encompassed lighting, controls, and full MEP/FP systems. The project also included the installation of two new elevators at the NE corner of the building, serving all floors from the new lobby on 43rd Street, while floors 11 through 18 were serviced by the existing three elevator banks from the lobby on 5th Avenue. The building’s existing electrical services and distribution, low voltage, and fire alarm systems were modified or upgraded as needed to meet code requirements and tenant lease design provisions. Every effort was made to reuse as much of the existing equipment and systems as applicable to the project goals and expectations.