The building was fully occupied throughout the project. In addition, several other unrelated construction projects were simultaneously taking place in other areas of the building. Solstice Residential Group’s team carefully preplanned, scheduled, and coordinated multiple construction operations, storage needs, crew access and vertical transportation access to ensure residents were not inconvenienced by the work. Solstice Residential Group used a property-management portal to communicate with residents and shareholders about ongoing and planned work, potential foot traffic and noise, as well as schedule construction crews’ access to apartments when needed.
“To minimize impact on the residents, work was performed only between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and crews were restricted to using the service entrance and service elevators,” recalls Damian Sherlock, the building superintendent. “A space within the building was provided to the crews for use as a break and changing room.”
“We reviewed the project plan regularly to maintain oversight of issues that could potentially impact residents, and regular communications between the project team successfully minimized disruptions,” Vekassy adds.
The project team conducted restoration work on a phased schedule with winter shutdowns. Because significant winds buffet the 315-foot elevation, Adelphi Restoration implemented extensive safety precautions to protect workers on the suspended scaffolding, as well as residents and the general public below.
Allen says, “It was truly satisfying to watch such an important part of Brooklyn Height’s history come together and shine again.”
“Completing this long and difficult project so successfully was very gratifying,” Scanlon adds. “Despite complex technical and logistical challenges, we maintained a positive relationship with a great client, who was thrilled with the end result.”
RETROFIT TEAM
FAÇADE RESTORATION: CTA Architects P.C.; G. Douglas Cutsogeorge, AIA, principal (retired); Daniel J. Allen, AIA, principal; Frank Scanlon, AIA, associate; Emily Barr, lead technical designer
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: GACE Consulting Engineers
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Adelphi Restoration, (212) 725-0011
OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE: Building Conservation Associates
BUILDING MANAGER: Solstice Residential Group
WINDOW SUPPLIER AND INSTALLER: Adler Windows
MATERIALS
BRICK: Glen-Gery
TERRA COTTA: Boston Valley Terra Cotta
MORTAR: SPEC MIX
PATCHING MORTARS: Jahn from Cathedral Stone Products
WALL TIES: Hohmann and Barnard
BACKER SEAL: EMSEAL
BRICK VENTS: Williams Products
BUILDING WRAP: Tyvek Stucco and Commercial Wrap
SEALANT: BASF NP 1
FABRIC-COATED COPPER FLASHING: York Multi-Flash 500
CUSTOM STEEL WINDOWS: Optimum Window
PROPERTY-MANAGEMENT PORTAL: BuildingLink
PHOTOS: PERICLE GHEORGHIAS/CTA ARCHITECTS unless otherwise noted