Shawmut Design and Construction has completed the historic restoration and renovation of the Otto Kahn Mansion for Convent of the Sacred Heart at East 91st St. and Fifth Ave. Designed by Easton Architects, the 5,000 s/f project began in June 2011 and was completed in December 2012.
Highlights of the restoration include salvaging and reusing historic Coquina limestone façade elements, such as the balustrade and cornice; restoring and replacing the roof slab on the fifth floor; installing new waterproofing and flashing systems; removing and replacing all of the fourth floor classroom ceilings including new plaster moldings; and the construction of a rooftop playground.
The project was completed in multiple phases, minimizing the impact of construction on students, faculty, staff and neighbors. Prior to the start of construction, Shawmut's team used Building Information Modeling (BIM) to demonstrate to school administrators how the staging would appear, the routing system of pedestrian pathways, the specific phasing of the project, and the resulting protection of students and neighbors throughout the construction. This level of detail helped to alleviate any concerns from the administration.
"During this complex historic renovation, at an academic institution located in a constricted urban environment, Shawmut's commitment to safety and track-record of successfully completing work without disrupting students or the neighborhood played a vital role throughout the project," said Tony Miliote, Vice President of Shawmut Design and Construction. "We are proud to play an important role in preserving yet another historical and cultural landmark in Manhattan."
The Otto Kahn Mansion was designated a landmark in 1970 by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and Shawmut coordinated closely with The Agency throughout the project.
New York City landmarks which have also recently partnered with Shawmut on challenging projects include the Waldorf Astoria, New York Palace, and many others. Tags: