Over 300 guests representing L.I.'s commercial real estate and business communities joined Rechler Equity Partners in the grand opening of a LEED-certified property at 85 South Service Rd. The celebration began with a ribbon cutting ceremony presided over by the Nassau County IDA, Oyster Bay town supervisor John Venditto and a number of other local officials.
The new building was a collaboration between Rechler Equity Partners, ArrowStreet Architects and interior design and architecture firm CetraRuddy. It also represented the adaptive reuse of an existing property originally developed by the Rechler family 50 years ago. Project highlights include:
* Alternative transportation: reducing their carbon footprint and putting fewer cars on the road is one way to improve the environment. Providing facilities for bicycle transportation and low-emitting fuel vehicles is one strategy they've adopted. They have reduced the impacts of heat island effects by installing a cool roof.
* Groundwater protection: Rechler implemented strategies to manage their storm water discharges and put this resource back in the ground. The company also reduced their demand for domestic water by incorporating water conserving plumbing fixtures and "smart" landscape irrigation wherein the irrigation system responds to real time weather and climate conditions to adjust consumption.
* Reducing energy consumption: Through the use of high efficiency HVAC equipment, enhanced commissioning of equipment, LED lighting, high R value insulation in the roof and walls they were able to beat the ASHRE standards in energy consumption for new buildings by 21%. The Rechlers pioneered the use of building automation systems in office buildings in the late '70s. Today, they have incorporated one of the most advanced Building Management Systems on the market. Rechler Equity has also committed to purchase "green power" for their building for the next two years.
Some may know the legacy of this building. It was originally constructed by Gregg and Mitchell's grandfather William. By reusing more than 50% of the original building, they have maintained his legacy while at the same time reduced demand for new resources (concrete and steel) and reduced the burdens for disposal of those materials. In fact, more than 75% of the wasted accumulated during the construction of the building was diverted from landfills. Additionally products with a high percentage of recycled content were used to construct the building.
A primary goal in the design of the building was to create a comfortable and pleasant environment for their employees. Through the implementation of several strategies including low emitting materials, delivery of a higher percentage of outdoor air to the space, individuals' ability to control lighting and temperature, they have created an environment their employees love.


In addition to housing Rechler Equity's operations, including construction, architecture, leasing, finance, accounting, property management, asset management and environmental, the 20,000 s/f property also serves as a studio for the firm's significant art collection. A major component of the space is a grand gallery showcasing the commercial real estate company's 53 year history as well as the past, present and future developments and redevelopments in the market.
About Rechler Equity Partners
Rechler Equity Partners is the successor company to Reckson Associates, founded over 50 years ago by Donald and Roger Rechler. Today managed by Mitchell and Gregg Rechler, Rechler Equity Partners is the largest owner of commercial real estate on Long Island with a portfolio of assets totaling over six million square feet. Rechler Equity offers a wide range of services including leasing, property management, asset management, architecture, construction, environmental, finance and development. Tags: