Design / Build
Mediapro and Great Point Studios to build 20,000 s/f production space
Yonkers, NY Mediapro North America broke ground on Mediapro Studios at Great Point Studios. The event took place on November 6, 2023 at 1500 North Bdwy. with mayor Mike Spano in attendance as well as key executives and stakeholders from Mediapro and Great Point Studios. Mediapro’s collaboration with Robert Halmi’s Great Point Studios will add another hub for film and television production, further strengthening the region’s role as a premier destination for the entertainment industry.
DeUna Holdings unveils first of three luxury eco-friendly homes at 8 Barnes Avenue
Long Island, NY After twenty years in international construction and development, partners Hezi Mena and Stefano Braganti of DeUna Holdings are expanding into The Hamptons, unveiling a collection of three luxury, eco-friendly spec homes. The first home in the collection, at 8 Barnes Ave. in East Hampton, is on 1.04 acres spanning 10,585 s/f and is set to finish construction in February 2024, with the two other properties following shortly behind.
Phifer Kracauer, executive director, to retire from Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation
Manhattan, NY Leading women’s advocacy organization Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) has announced the planned retirement of architect and innovator Cynthia Phifer Kracauer AIA, the organization’s executive director for the last seven years. An executive search is underway for a replacement, according to the foundation’s executive committee, to continue leading the group to elevate women in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate and allied fields.
JRM Construction creates toddler play area for research at Barnard College
Manhattan, NY JRM Construction Management has completed an interactive play area at the Center for Toddler Development in Barnard College. Located at 604-606 West 120th St., this space, spanning 2,600 s/f, is a testament to the fusion of learning and play, crafted by the Architecture Research Office and coordinated by DBI Projects. The play area features “hobbit-sized” doors, miniature cubicles, and slides, all crafted from custom millwork and infused with an array of colors and diverse materials.
Baker joins Vocon as workplace leader
Manhattan, NY Wyett Baker has joined Vocon as workplace leader in its New York office where he will work with leadership to foster business and professional development initiatives across the firm. Baker brings more than 25 years of experience in the design and construction of corporate, educational, and cultural projects nationally. Prior to joining Vocon, Baker served as an account leader and design manager specializing in large and complex projects at Gensler.
DeSimone Consulting Engineering acquires Decipher in the UK
Manhattan, NY Full-service engineering and construction consulting firm DeSimone Consulting Engineering has acquired construction consultancy firm, Decipher. Decipher now joins DeSimone’s worldwide network of offices, amplifying DeSimone’s construction consulting services arm in the United Kingdom. Based in Cheshire, England, with offices in London, Manchester, and Dubai, Decipher was founded in 2001 by Paul Gibbons, CEO.
DeSimone hires Koren as director of marketing
Manhattan, NY Veteran AEC marketing executive David Koren has joined DeSimone Consulting Engineering as director of marketing to lead communications and business development as DeSimone continues its global growth strategy. Koren will be responsible for further strengthening DeSimone’s communications capabilities to support the company as it executes a strategic global expansion to provide engineering solutions to stakeholders worldwide.
DXA Studio unveils designs for Anbau’s 10W17 condo - 50,000 s/f
Manhattan, NY DXA Studio, the New York City-based architecture and design firm, unveiled its designs for 10W17 at a public hearing of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Anbau is the developer for this new multi-family condo building, which is scheduled for completion in 2025. 10W17 is located in the Ladies Mile Historic District on 17th St. between 5th and 6th Aves. At 185 ft. and 17 stories tall, 10W17 will contain 23 condo units in more than 50,000 gross s/f.
McNamara of WSP promoted to NE district leader
Manhattan, NY WSP has promoted Ian McNamara, who most recently spearheaded east region strategy and development across all sectors, to northeast district leader. McNamara is a senior vice president who joined WSP as director of strategic initiatives in 2020 and most recently served as the East region development director, where he was responsible for leading and supporting major pursuits across all business lines.
Lilker, an IMEG Co., transforms 10,000 s/f into new Bideawee Headquarters
Manhattan, NY The Bideawee organization, one of the nation’s first no-kill shelters, has moved its headquarters. Together with a team of architects, engineers, design consultants and contractors, Bideawee (Scottish for “stay a while”) converted a three-story brick and wood structure at 152 West 24th St. to a veterinary and housing facility for cats and dogs. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held August 1.