Vocon with MdeAS Architects near completion of HGI’s 51W52 repositioning - $128m, 900,000 s/f

Manhattan, NY Harbor Group International, LLC (HGI), began the $128 million repositioning of the 900,000 s/f skyscraper at 51W52 earlier this year. Originally designed by architect Eero Saarinen as the headquarters for CBS, 51W52’s renovations will enhance the qualities already present in the original design, making subtle changes while still preserving the landmark.

Ashforth of The Ashforth Company and A.P Construction receives Lifetime Achievement Award by March of Dimes

Tarrytown, NY Andrew Ashforth, co-chief executive officer of The Ashforth Company and CEO & president of A.P. Construction Company, was presented with the Martin S. Berger Lifetime Achievement Award by the March of Dimes NY Market during its Westchester/Fairfield Real Estate Awards Breakfast on Thursday, November 2, at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY.

Eastman Cooke constructs 10,000 s/f interior space designed by Landow & Landow Architects

Manhattan, NY Eastman Cooke & Associates (ECA), a New York-based general contracting firm, commenced its fifth interior construction project for Moroccan Oil, a multinational, luxury cosmetics and haircare brand. Founded in 2008, the company’s exotic Moroccan oil product lines and collections are featured in spas, hair salons, and national chains around the world.

Galaxy GC, MAP and Mitchell Giurgola finalize library/affordable housing development - 72,000 s/f, $53.7m

Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) cut the ribbon on the new Sunset Park Library and Apartments. The historic project establishes a new development model under which the creation of 100 percent affordable housing is paired with new and expanded public library facilities. The project is part of an innovative partnership between FAC and BPL, along with New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development

ArtBridge, Slate Property Group and RiseBoro present public art exhibition

Brownsville, NY ArtBridge, Slate Property Group, and RiseBoro Community Partnership, present Brownsville Reflections: Past, Present, Future, a public art exhibition created by three local artists: Jocelyn Goode, Laurent Chevalier, and Sophia Victor, featured on a three-sided site at 326 Rockaway Ave. 326 Rockaway Ave. is a mixed-use project designed as an all-electric passive house that uses zero fossil fuel for heating and operations, and includes a rooftop solar array to offset energy use.

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 120^th 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.