John Gallin & Son completes 23,000 s/f renovation for IFAC; TPG Architecture serves as project architect

Overcoming major challenges, John Gallin & Son, Inc. has completed an interior renovation of the 23,000 s/f headquarters of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) at 529 Fifth Ave., according to Robert Gallin, project manager of the firm. John Gallin & Son was the general contractor and TPG Architecture was the project architect. Accordingly, an IFAC conference that had long been in the works for this spring, involving 70 participants from around the world, was able to take place on schedule. A change of location would have been required if the project had not been finished on time. The work by the Gallin firm, begun in December, created new conference and meeting room space, including breakout session rooms, and a new reception area; transformed much of the office space into an open configuration; incorporated an existing interior staircase into the new design; and included polishing the concrete floors. It was completed on time, and also on budget, despite the necessity of substantial overtime work. "The project's tight deadline led to a number of challenges, one of which arose when it was discovered that the existing interior staircase, linking the fifth and sixth floors, had not been properly fastened to the walls during a previous tenant's occupancy," said Gallin. "Taking corrective steps put additional strain on the schedule." Other notable complications included the need to schedule work without disrupting IFAC activities that could not be suspended during the construction period; and expediting the delivery of items and services that normally require substantial time, especially custom light fixtures and sophisticated mill work. "Although challenging, it was a highly gratifying assignment, in part because IFAC is an important international body," said Gallin. "We receive an extra measure of satisfaction in the knowledge that our firm's work is on display to people from virtually every corner of the globe. We're very pleased to have been given that opportunity." IFAC contributes to high-quality international accounting standards, helps develop the global accountancy profession, and speaks out on relevant issues of public concern. The 35-year-old organization's membership spans 127 countries and jurisdictions. The oldest family-owned construction firm in New York City, John Gallin & Son, Inc. was founded in 1886 as a small masonry and concrete company, and now specializes in interior construction. Its clients have included Wells Fargo Bank, Polo Ralph Lauren, The Durst Organization, Ann Taylor, Tishman Speyer, and Rockefeller Brothers Fund.