Revitalization of the 48-story, 1980s-era office building included a full upgrade of the lobby, plaza, restaurant, interconnecting stairs and communal spaces with sleek, high-end finishes as well as replacement of key mechanical and fire suppression equipment. BIM proved critical in resolving conflicts due to unforeseen conditions, especially in replacement of three air handling units, new ductwork, refrigerant equipment for air temperature control and a kitchen gas feed.

The building’s below-grade levels maximized previously underused spaces, including incorporating a full-service restaurant. To bring steel underground, the team first shored up existing slabs down to the lowest level, then cut a hole to the exterior that was waterproofed with a removable roof. As steel was delivered, the elements were picked up off the street, guided through adjacent trees and lowered into the access hole. A walkable skylight brings natural sunlight and views of adjacent plaza trees into the underground levels, transforming them into inviting and functional spaces.

With pandemic-related supply chain issues threatening to delay a shipment of feature stone, specialty light fixtures and other components from Europe, the project team worked closely with overseas suppliers to minimize schedule impacts. Attention to detail was evident throughout the project, according to the team submission, with work executed to create a visually stunning and structurally sound final product.