Photo Courtesy of SL Green Realty

The scope of work was large and complex on this dilapidated, landmark building in Times Square, also known as the I. Miller Building. The project, which also involved leasing the first three floors of adjacent property to expand retail space, required extensive restructuring and shoring to maintain the structure's integrity.

Work included restoring the historic facade, which had to be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Part of the facade work involved restoring nearly 100-year-old statues of famous actors to their original luster.

Since much of the work affected historic elements, the team managed a significant review and approval process involving city agencies as well as Con Edison. The design team coordinated permit filings between three property addresses and a merged tax lot. The construction team coordinated several retail tenant relocations and worked on slab demolition and realignment of the retail space.

To minimize any trade and tenant coordination issues during the 18-month-long project, the team implemented a strategic phasing and logistics plan. Access to the only freight elevator had to be coordinated for both workers and materials.

The project also called for a 9,000-sq-ft LED signage program—the second-largest in Times Square. Given the building's landmark status, the 190-ton steel structure had to be "floated" over the building, and so was designed to be predominately supported by the adjacent property at 12 separate points and only at three points on the landmark structure.

Despite several other challenges—including a ConEd strike, Superstorm Sandy and even the city's imposed 2014 Superbowl embargo—the team completed the project on time.

One judge said the team deserves credit for work on "two historical buildings where original design, material and workmanship were respected."

Key Players

Owner/Developer SL Green Realty Corp.

Construction Manager Plaza Construction

Lead Design TPG Architecture

Structural Engineer Severud Associates

MEP Engineer AKF Engineering

Geotechnical Engineer Langan Services

Code/Expeditor Brookbridge Consulting

LED Sign Consultant Sensory Interactive

Elevator Consultant Boca Group

Sign Manufacturer Sansi North America