GRS | Corteq recently completed Construction Risk Management services on three landmarked grand mansions in New York City.
The Gilbert Townhouses, located at 272-276 West 86th Street in Manhattan, are historic landmarks. Originally designed by renowned architect C.P.H. Gilbert, and built between 1895 and 1896, the brick and stone structures recently underwent a complete renovation by East River Partners. The undertaking to turn them into modernized apartment homes involved completely gutting the buildings and preserving the front façade elements.
Chris Corduan, Director of Construction Lender Services at GRS | Corteq, was impressed with the care and professionalism of the Sponsor during restoration of the front façade and windows.
“This restoration was highly complex and required approval from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission,” said Corduan. “The project will feature new wood-framed windows to replicate the original fixtures, approved by the Commission. The scope of work also included the installation of an elaborate temporary steel frame to the limits of the existing building, the front (north), east, and west walls to secure the existing components while new concrete and steel interior framing was installed. New concrete footings were placed within the confines of the existing basement walls to support a new concrete and structural steel interior superstructure. It was an amazing feat.”
Saved from potential demolition by neighborhood preservation groups, the three contiguous 5-story townhouses contained a total of 25 apartments prior to renovation. All of the newly renovated apartments feature more than three bedrooms and are positioned on a wide street with significant setbacks in both the front and rear.
GRS | Corteq’s Construction Risk Management Services included Construction Monitoring, Cost Analysis, Project Management and progress inspections. GRS | Corteq’s, Mark Halloran, John Koch and Chris Corduan spearheaded the servicing package.