Graf & Lewent Architects projects earn top honors

Graf & Lewent Architects' design expertise was recently recognized by two prominent business and industry associations as two of its client projects received top honors in award competitions. The new American Airlines Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Repair Building at JFK Airport, designed by Graf & Lewent Architects, received the Queens Chamber of Commerce 2009 Building Award in the New Construction - Industrial category at the Chamber's annual awards gala in December 2009. The Highbridge Community Life Center, Bronx, NY, also designed by Graf & Lewent Architects, was awarded the Queens & Bronx Building Association 2009 Building & Design Award in the Rehabilitations, Alterations & Additions category at the association's recent annual award event. "We are honored to be recognized by both the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Queens & Bronx Building Association for our design work," said Howard Graf, AIA, partner for the design firm. "The existing site for the American Airlines GSE Building had numerous underground obstacles, including the FAA control tower electric lines and gas mains, and it was extremely close to the AirTrain right of way," said Steve Lewent, AIA, partner at Graf & Lewent Architects and project manager. "We worked with the airline client and The Port Authority (the airport's governing agency) to design the two-story structure around these potential conflicts and avoid any interference with regular operations. The site is also on the border and part of the 'secure operations zone' of the airport, necessitating constant synchronization throughout the construction process." Construction was performed by VRH Construction Corporation of Englewood, N.J.