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May 11, 2015 -
Front Section
The Hakimian Organization, a New York-based leading real estate development firm, was co-founded in 1970 by Ben and Joe Hakimian and has since expanded into a highly regarded company that has developed over 30 buildings. Jay Hakimian, the son and nephew of the respective founders, took a natural vested interest in the family business at a young age and has since been rapidly making a name for himself in the architecture and design community. At the age of 27, Hakimian tackles his role as vice president of design and construction at the Hakimian Organization with a completely unique approach - by wearing the hat of both a developer and an architect.
For those in the real estate industry, Hakimian's position is considered particularly complex, as he is responsible for taking the lead on in-house projects while also working alongside engineers. The variety of projects under his belt, which include the rooftop at 184 Lexington Ave. in Murray Hill and a luxury condo unit at 75 Wall St., are a testament of his ability to succeed in wearing both hats. At 75 Wall St., an upscale residential building located near South St. Seaport, Hakimian was tasked with leading the design of one of the luxury condominiums. What was previously a unit in an office tower, Hakimian was able to transform the residence into a modern high-end home with amenities, including hardwood floors and an open kitchen that flows with the other living spaces seamlessly.
The rooftop at 184 Lexington Ave. in Murray Hill, which was built in the 1980's, is one of Hakimian's favorite projects. Hakimian designed the outdoor space to give residents a vast 270 degree view of all Lower Manhattan, while still maintaining privacy. Hakimian also utilized the roughly 20-foot wall bordering the rental's rooftop garden as a blank canvas for world renowned artists, Sheryo and the Yok, to design a mural. Sheryo and the Yok's creation "Monsters on Vacation" became an immediate Instagram sensation and widely praised by tenants and the broker community.
"I try to look at each project with a fresh perspective and create a new opportunity or experience with every space," said Hakimian. "Before rooftops became a highly sought after amenity, we allowed the rooftop wall to be an actual canvas for street artists. This transformed the space entirely, bringing art to a space that had never before been considered beautiful."
One of Hakimian's more recent projects, which was completed in the summer of 2014, include the renovation of Dina Rata, an upscale American Bistro at the Andaz Wall Street Hotel located on the iconic Pearl St. in the Financial District. Hakimian worked closely with lead designer, Larah Moravek, to re-design and construct the entire interior. Despite being presented with some challenges, including replacing all of the bar's utilities while being mindful of the operating hotel, the restaurant has quickly become one of Wall St.'s hot spots.
"Jay brings a unique skill set and personal touch to all of his projects, especially when it comes to understanding and anticipating the needs of each of his clients," said Moravek. "He has incredible instinct and a natural talent that allows working with him to be a true pleasure and a seamless process."
Hakimian is currently working on two residential projects in the heart of Long Island City. One with his creative team, who is on the forefront of design, incorporating steel and traditional reclaimed-brick throughout the building. This was inspired by the surrounding industrial buildings, giving the residence a cohesive and eloquent feel. The second of the two new residential buildings, Hakimian has partnered with well-known architecture firm, Greenberg Farrow.
"Jay has a talent for making old buildings look new and can truly encompass an idea and turn it into a reality," said Scott Loikits, partner at Greenberg Farrow. "Although this project is in the infancy stages of planning, I am already looking forward to working with Jay again."