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  • 309 WEST 86TH STREET

    Development in the Riverside-West End Historic District Extension I went through several phases in the years between the 1880s and 1930s. The earliest phase between roughly 1885 and 1900 saw the construction of speculatively built row houses and flats for the middle and upper classes. By the turn of the century, developers began to focus on constructing larger apartment buildings as increasing construction costs ended row house construction, and the newly opened IRT on Broadway made the Upper West Side more accessible to the city’s expanding population. Legislation such as the 1901 Tenement House Act, the 1916 zoning ordinance, and the 1929 Multiple Dwelling Law contributed to the transformation in the scale of the streetscapes of West End Avenue, Riverside Drive, and West 79th and West 86th Streets where row houses and smaller buildings were replaced by newer, larger buildings.[1] 309-311 West 86th Street was commissioned as a hotel in 1912 by Weymer Hinckley Waitt- a railroad engineer turned hotelier, whose company later built the Weylin Hotel on Madison Avenue. The 12-story 40,000 square foot building was designed by Schwartz Gross and completed in October of 1914 at a cost of $250,000. Originally known as Hotel Wayne until 1953 when it was converted into the Waldorf Nursing Home. In 1962 it became a residence club for senior citizens. Following interior alterations in 1979 the building was reconverted into apartments and became a co-op known as Stetson House. In 1984 John F Kennedy Jr. and Robert Littell moved in together into a 2-bedroom sublet at 309 West 86th Street. 309 West 86th Street is one of several Altera Engineering projects along the historic West End Avenue. Altera Engineering was retained to provide engineering design and consulting services for the owners of the penthouse apartment. The project involved a full floor gut renovation. [1]Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), Riverside-West End Historic District Extension I Designation Report (LP-2463) Home / Multifamily 309 WEST 86TH STREET ARCHITECT . PROJECT SIZE . PROJECT COST . SCOPE . assisted with securing Landmarks Preservation Commission approval for installation of rooftop equipment Go Go Development in the Riverside-West End Historic District Extension I went through several phases in the years between the 1880s and 1930s. The earliest phase between roughly 1885 and 1900 saw the construction of speculatively built row houses and flats for the middle and upper classes. By the turn of the century, developers began to focus on constructing larger apartment buildings as increasing construction costs ended row house construction, and the newly opened IRT on Broadway made the Upper West Side more accessible to the city’s expanding population. Legislation such as the 1901 Tenement House Act, the 1916 zoning ordinance, and the 1929 Multiple Dwelling Law contributed to the transformation in the scale of the streetscapes of West End Avenue, Riverside Drive, and West 79th and West 86th Streets where row houses and smaller buildings were replaced by newer, larger buildings.[1] 309-311 West 86th Street was commissioned as a hotel in 1912 by Weymer Hinckley Waitt- a railroad engineer turned hotelier, whose company later built the Weylin Hotel on Madison Avenue. The 12-story 40,000 square foot building was designed by Schwartz Gross and completed in October of 1914 at a cost of $250,000. Originally known as Hotel Wayne until 1953 when it was converted into the Waldorf Nursing Home. In 1962 it became a residence club for senior citizens. Following interior alterations in 1979 the building was reconverted into apartments and became a co-op known as Stetson House. In 1984 John F Kennedy Jr. and Robert Littell moved in together into a 2-bedroom sublet at 309 West 86th Street. 309 West 86th Street is one of several Altera Engineering projects along the historic West End Avenue. Altera Engineering was retained to provide engineering design and consulting services for the owners of the penthouse apartment. The project involved a full floor gut renovation. [1]Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), Riverside-West End Historic District Extension I Designation Report (LP-2463)

  • Home / Residential 138 NORTH 1ST STREET, BROOKLYN, NY ARCHITECT . Will Corcoran Architect PROJECT SIZE . About 4,500 SF PROJECT COST . $3 million SCOPE . full MEP design and construction administration services Go 138 NORTH 1ST STREET, BROOKLYN, NY A ground up construction of a luxury single family home in Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. An inaugural project for a nascent developer required careful attention to detail. Altera Engineering worked hand in hand with the architect and developer to craft solutions that worked with the owner’s vision for the building. Altera Engineering efficiently and successfully secured utility connection approvals and assisted the client in resolving filing and approval issues. Altera Engineering consulted the owner on high performance building strategies, such as passive heating and cooling, insulation and envelope air-tightness, intelligent lighting controls, highly efficient domestic water heating and continuous ventilation with energy recovery. With the exception of domestic water heating, the building does not use natural gas or any other fuel for heating, and is cooled and heated with a variable-refrigerant flow system. Highly insulated envelope, and not relying on gas for heating are expected to save 20 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide emissions on an annual basis.

  • 915 WEST END AVENUE

    915 West End Avenue is a 120,000 SF 15-story multifamily building commissioned by a prolific upper west side builder Joseph Paterno (whose initials were inscribed above the entrance), designed by Rosario Candela and completed in 1922 at a cost of approximately $625,000. The building was designed in Renaissance Revival style, and is laid out as two wings around a central core with outer court. Boiler room, laundry facility, oil tank, and incoming services are located in the basement. Lobby and 94 apartments are located on floors 1 through 15. In 2015 the building was included into Riverside-West End Historic District Extension II, and is subject to certain Landmarks restrictions. Following the $ 85.5 million acquisition by a group of investors, Altera Engineering was retained to evaluate the existing heating, plumbing, gas and power distribution systems. Our engineers worked closely with the owner’s architects and marketing team to identify and carry out short payback upgrades to support the investors’ conversion and repositioning program to the ‘best-in-class’ multifamily rental. 915 West End Avenue is one of several Altera Engineering projects along the historic West End Avenue 347 West End and 309 West 86th Street. Home / Multifamily 915 WEST END AVENUE ARCHITECT . PROJECT SIZE . PROJECT COST . SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. Go Go 915 West End Avenue is a 120,000 SF 15-story multifamily building commissioned by a prolific upper west side builder Joseph Paterno (whose initials were inscribed above the entrance), designed by Rosario Candela and completed in 1922 at a cost of approximately $625,000. The building was designed in Renaissance Revival style, and is laid out as two wings around a central core with outer court. Boiler room, laundry facility, oil tank, and incoming services are located in the basement. Lobby and 94 apartments are located on floors 1 through 15. In 2015 the building was included into Riverside-West End Historic District Extension II, and is subject to certain Landmarks restrictions. Following the $ 85.5 million acquisition by a group of investors, Altera Engineering was retained to evaluate the existing heating, plumbing, gas and power distribution systems. Our engineers worked closely with the owner’s architects and marketing team to identify and carry out short payback upgrades to support the investors’ conversion and repositioning program to the ‘best-in-class’ multifamily rental. 915 West End Avenue is one of several Altera Engineering projects along the historic West End Avenue 347 West End and 309 West 86th Street.

  • ONE DROMORE APARTMENTS

    One Dromore Apartments is a newly constructed 4-story residential building with 45 affordable rental units, ready for occupancy approximately August 2024. The affordable rental units are available by lottery to households between 40%- 80% of Westchester County’s Area Median Income. One Dromore Apartments will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 5 units adapted for mobility impairments and 2 units adapted for hearing/vision impairments. Building amenities include all electric, passive house certified building, community room with kitchen, laundry room, fitness center, lounge/library, EV charging stations, free WiFi. Walking distance to Central Avenue shopping and public transport. One Dromore Road, Scarsdale, New York is surrounded by small businesses, shopping, and restaurants within walking distance to Central Avenue. Located approximately 7 miles to the border of New York City (in The Bronx), 11 miles from the northern tip of Manhattan, and 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, which may be reached by Metro-North Railroad (Scarsdale station). Scarsdale is also served by the Bee-Line Bus System. Home / Multifamily ONE DROMORE APARTMENTS ARCHITECT . PROJECT SIZE . PROJECT COST . SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. Go Go One Dromore Apartments is a newly constructed 4-story residential building with 45 affordable rental units, ready for occupancy approximately August 2024. The affordable rental units are available by lottery to households between 40%- 80% of Westchester County’s Area Median Income. One Dromore Apartments will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments, including 5 units adapted for mobility impairments and 2 units adapted for hearing/vision impairments. Building amenities include all electric, passive house certified building, community room with kitchen, laundry room, fitness center, lounge/library, EV charging stations, free WiFi. Walking distance to Central Avenue shopping and public transport. One Dromore Road, Scarsdale, New York is surrounded by small businesses, shopping, and restaurants within walking distance to Central Avenue. Located approximately 7 miles to the border of New York City (in The Bronx), 11 miles from the northern tip of Manhattan, and 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, which may be reached by Metro-North Railroad (Scarsdale station). Scarsdale is also served by the Bee-Line Bus System.

  • THE POPE FRANCIS APARTMENTS AT LORETO

    Located at 2377 Pacific Street (aka 126 Sackman Street), the Catholic Charities Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto feature an 8 story, 83,683 square foot building and provide 135 affordable apartments and case management for low income and formerly homeless seniors, enabling them to live safely, comfortably, and independently for as long as possible. The new construction includes 24 hour security, lounge, tenant activity rooms, laundry facilities and rooftop solar panels to reduce the cost of electricity and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, Inc., the social services provider of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, provides case management services within the building for the senior supportive residents. Developed in partnership with Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples Development Corporation (CCPOP), the affordable housing arm of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), funding for the Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto includes $3.4 million in permanent tax exempt bonds, federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $19 million in equity and an additional $24.6 million subsidy from HCR. The New York State Department of Health provided $2 million annually for tenant rental assistance and supportive services through the Governor’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI. This new facility was the second phase of redevelopment of the former Our Lady of Loreto Church and integrates 40 percent of the units to affordable independent residences for seniors (AIRS) with 60 percent of the units designated as senior supportive housing. The 54 AIRS units will target seniors 62 years of age and older and be affordable to individuals earning up to 50 percent Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining 81 units will be supportive housing units targeting individuals who are formerly homeless, over the age of 55, and are frail elderly. Rents for these supportive units are supported with a rental subsidy through the ESSHI program. Home / Multifamily THE POPE FRANCIS APARTMENTS AT LORETO ARCHITECT . RKTB PROJECT SIZE .8 stories, 136 residential units PROJECT COST . $48 million SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of Mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. Due to the low budget for the MEP systems, Altera engineers were challenged with finding efficient solutions using older technologies. The client opted to save money on the cooling system by selecting packaged through wall air conditioning units (PTACs). As a result, the only opportunity to improve efficiency lay in the building’s heating system. High efficiency condensing boilers were specified. To achieve operational efficiencies, the team implemented thoughtful zoning of the hydronic distribution based on façade exposures, allowing water temperatures and hot water supply to adjust in real time according to demand. All apartments were equipped with smart thermostats wired into an addressable network, enabling the operator to monitor, control, override, and track energy use at a granular level. Go Go Located at 2377 Pacific Street (aka 126 Sackman Street), the Catholic Charities Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto feature an 8 story, 83,683 square foot building and provide 135 affordable apartments and case management for low income and formerly homeless seniors, enabling them to live safely, comfortably, and independently for as long as possible. The new construction includes 24 hour security, lounge, tenant activity rooms, laundry facilities and rooftop solar panels to reduce the cost of electricity and reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services, Inc., the social services provider of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, provides case management services within the building for the senior supportive residents. Developed in partnership with Catholic Charities Progress of Peoples Development Corporation (CCPOP), the affordable housing arm of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), funding for the Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto includes $3.4 million in permanent tax exempt bonds, federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $19 million in equity and an additional $24.6 million subsidy from HCR. The New York State Department of Health provided $2 million annually for tenant rental assistance and supportive services through the Governor’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI. This new facility was the second phase of redevelopment of the former Our Lady of Loreto Church and integrates 40 percent of the units to affordable independent residences for seniors (AIRS) with 60 percent of the units designated as senior supportive housing. The 54 AIRS units will target seniors 62 years of age and older and be affordable to individuals earning up to 50 percent Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining 81 units will be supportive housing units targeting individuals who are formerly homeless, over the age of 55, and are frail elderly. Rents for these supportive units are supported with a rental subsidy through the ESSHI program.

  • 2 BUSHWICK AVENUE |SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems.

    2 BUSHWICK AVENUE SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. PROJECT COST . Home / Commercial 2 BUSHWICK AVENUE ARCHITECT . PROJECT SIZE . 14,000 SF PROJECT COST . SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. Go Go 2 Bushwick Avenue is a 14,000 SF ground up retail and office building being constructed on a site of a former gas station and auto repair shop. The corner site sits in a prime location of a rapidly gentrifying creative hipster mecca. The developers were interested in attracting local nascent businesses by creating affordable flexible spaces. Before commencing with design, Altera Engineering engaged with the owners and architects in the programming phase, to understand how the property will be positioned in the market and who will be the target tenants. The early-phase involvement informed the selection of suitable MEP systems. With careful system selection and sizing, the design team was able to strike a balance between considerations for the first cost, ease-of-use, flexibility and “curb” appeal to prospective tenants.

  • 2457 FREDERICK DOUGLASS BOULEVARD

    2457 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, also known as 2457 8th Avenue, is a modern condominium development completed in 2019. It’s marketed as a prime Harlem new construction project, emphasizing luxury and immediate occupancy. Building Specifications: Height and Units: A seven-story building with 8 residential units, designed with only 2 units per floor for a spacious, exclusive feel. Size: While exact square footage for the entire building isn’t universally specified, individual units range from approximately 646 square feet (e.g., Unit 2A) to 1,555 square feet (e.g., Unit 5A), suggesting a total residential area of roughly 8,000-10,000 square feet, typical for boutique condos of this scale. Features: Units boast white oak flooring, oversized European tilt-and-turn windows, high ceilings, and in-unit washer/dryers. Kitchens feature custom European designs with quartz countertops, 5-burner ranges with grills, under-counter microwaves, Blomberg fridge/freezers, dishwashers, and Brizo faucets. Bathrooms include cove lighting, deep soaking tubs, and high-end finishes. Most units come with private outdoor spaces (e.g., balconies), and there’s a shared stunning roof deck for dining and entertaining. A Comelit "virtual doorman" system enhances security and convenience. Developer: Built by the Almat Group, known for residential projects in Harlem, with the property purchased from First Ebenezer Baptist Church in March 2017 for $1,706,800. Amenities: Beyond the roof deck and virtual doorman, the building focuses on chic, sunlit interiors rather than extensive shared facilities, aligning with its boutique nature. Tax Benefits: Offers a J-51 tax abatement, reducing property taxes for owners, though the exact expiration isn’t consistently detailed (typically 10-15 years from completion, so likely into the late 2020s or early 2030s). Location Details: Neighborhood: Central Harlem, a culturally rich area known for its historical significance (e.g., the Harlem Renaissance) and ongoing revitalization. The building sits between West 131st and West 132nd Streets. Transit: Close to the 135th Street subway station (2, 3 trains) and the 125th Street station (A, B, C, D trains), plus bus lines along Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Proximity: Near shopping, restaurants, and landmarks like St. Nicholas Park and City College, blending Harlem’s vibrant community with modern conveniences. Current Status: Completed in 2019, the condos were ready for immediate occupancy by then. Listings from 2020-2023 show units like 2A (1-bed, 1-bath, 646 sq ft) and 5A (2-bed, 2-bath, 1,555 sq ft) on the market, with prices ranging from around $417,000 (Zillow Zestimate) to higher for larger units. Historical Context: The site’s redevelopment reflects Harlem’s shift from older structures (like the church it replaced) to upscale residential options, catering to a mix of professionals and investors drawn to the area’s cultural cachet and improving infrastructure. Home / Multifamily 2457 FREDERICK DOUGLASS BOULEVARD ARCHITECT . PROJECT SIZE . PROJECT COST . SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. Go Go 2457 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, also known as 2457 8th Avenue, is a modern condominium development completed in 2019. It’s marketed as a prime Harlem new construction project, emphasizing luxury and immediate occupancy. Building Specifications: Height and Units: A seven-story building with 8 residential units, designed with only 2 units per floor for a spacious, exclusive feel. Size: While exact square footage for the entire building isn’t universally specified, individual units range from approximately 646 square feet (e.g., Unit 2A) to 1,555 square feet (e.g., Unit 5A), suggesting a total residential area of roughly 8,000-10,000 square feet, typical for boutique condos of this scale. Features: Units boast white oak flooring, oversized European tilt-and-turn windows, high ceilings, and in-unit washer/dryers. Kitchens feature custom European designs with quartz countertops, 5-burner ranges with grills, under-counter microwaves, Blomberg fridge/freezers, dishwashers, and Brizo faucets. Bathrooms include cove lighting, deep soaking tubs, and high-end finishes. Most units come with private outdoor spaces (e.g., balconies), and there’s a shared stunning roof deck for dining and entertaining. A Comelit "virtual doorman" system enhances security and convenience. Developer: Built by the Almat Group, known for residential projects in Harlem, with the property purchased from First Ebenezer Baptist Church in March 2017 for $1,706,800. Amenities: Beyond the roof deck and virtual doorman, the building focuses on chic, sunlit interiors rather than extensive shared facilities, aligning with its boutique nature. Tax Benefits: Offers a J-51 tax abatement, reducing property taxes for owners, though the exact expiration isn’t consistently detailed (typically 10-15 years from completion, so likely into the late 2020s or early 2030s). Location Details: Neighborhood: Central Harlem, a culturally rich area known for its historical significance (e.g., the Harlem Renaissance) and ongoing revitalization. The building sits between West 131st and West 132nd Streets. Transit: Close to the 135th Street subway station (2, 3 trains) and the 125th Street station (A, B, C, D trains), plus bus lines along Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Proximity: Near shopping, restaurants, and landmarks like St. Nicholas Park and City College, blending Harlem’s vibrant community with modern conveniences. Current Status: Completed in 2019, the condos were ready for immediate occupancy by then. Listings from 2020-2023 show units like 2A (1-bed, 1-bath, 646 sq ft) and 5A (2-bed, 2-bath, 1,555 sq ft) on the market, with prices ranging from around $417,000 (Zillow Zestimate) to higher for larger units. Historical Context: The site’s redevelopment reflects Harlem’s shift from older structures (like the church it replaced) to upscale residential options, catering to a mix of professionals and investors drawn to the area’s cultural cachet and improving infrastructure.

  • SYDNEY HOUSE

    A new 60-unit affordable multifamily building in the Bronx. A first construction project of this size for Habitat for Humanity. The $18 million development, located at 839-843 Tilden St., is in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx. The seven-story building has one-, two- and three-bedroom co-op apartments. The building includes a parking garage and communal areas. The project is financed by the New York city Acquisition Fund, New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (ACH), HPD New Infill Homeownership Program (NIHOP) and New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation Buildings’ mechanical systems include high efficiency condensing boilers designed to operate with low temperature water. Packages Terminal Air Conditioning units with smart controls. Variable speed pumps, energy recovery ventilators and variable refrigerant flow systems. The project is designed to meet the latest Enterprise Green Communities requirements for energy and water conservation, resident health, wellbeing and resiliency. The buildings are at least 15% more energy efficient than the current energy code. Home / Multifamily SYDNEY HOUSE ARCHITECT . Union Street Studio PROJECT SIZE . 70,000 GSF $ PROJECT COST . 18,000,000 SCOPE . Full MEP design, and construction administration services. HVAC, sprinkler, plumbing and electrical power, fire alarm design and construction administration Go Go A new 60-unit affordable multifamily building in the Bronx. A first construction project of this size for Habitat for Humanity. The $18 million development, located at 839-843 Tilden St., is in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx. The seven-story building has one-, two- and three-bedroom co-op apartments. The building includes a parking garage and communal areas. The project is financed by the New York city Acquisition Fund, New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (ACH), HPD New Infill Homeownership Program (NIHOP) and New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation Buildings’ mechanical systems include high efficiency condensing boilers designed to operate with low temperature water. Packages Terminal Air Conditioning units with smart controls. Variable speed pumps, energy recovery ventilators and variable refrigerant flow systems. The project is designed to meet the latest Enterprise Green Communities requirements for energy and water conservation, resident health, wellbeing and resiliency. The buildings are at least 15% more energy efficient than the current energy code.

  • 52-09 31ST PLACE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY | Altera Engineering

    Home / Hospitality 52-09 31ST PLACE, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY ARCHITECT . ARC ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN STUDIO, PLLC PROJECT SIZE . 112,000 SF PROJECT COST . NA SCOPE . plumbing and fire protection systems Go Go Altera Engineering has designed the plumbing and fire protection systems for this building.

  • WALTON AVENUE

    Mount Hope Walton Apartments A 14-storey affordable rental building in Mount Hope neighborhood of the Bronx developed by the Procida Companies, Southport Financial Services and Mount Hope Housing Company. The building will have 104 apartment units and a community facility complete with gym and basketball court. The project is financed by the New York City Housing Development Corporation 24 million dollar tax exempt bonds and Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The project is further supported by $ 750,000 grant by the Bronx borough president. Buildings’ mechanical systems include high efficiency condensing boilers designed to operate with low temperature water. Variable speed pumps, high output baseboard radiators, energy recovery ventilators and variable refrigerant flow systems. The project is designed to meet the latest Enterprise Green Communities requirements for energy and water conservation, resident health and wellbeing and resiliency. The buildings are at least 15% more energy efficient than the current energy code. Home / Multifamily WALTON AVENUE ARCHITECT . Aufgang Architects PROJECT SIZE . 110,000 SF PROJECT COST . $ 28,000,000 SCOPE . full MEP design, and construction administration services, energy modeling and sustainability consulting services, commissioning Go Go Mount Hope Walton Apartments A 14-storey affordable rental building in Mount Hope neighborhood of the Bronx developed by the Procida Companies, Southport Financial Services and Mount Hope Housing Company. The building will have 104 apartment units and a community facility complete with gym and basketball court. The project is financed by the New York City Housing Development Corporation 24 million dollar tax exempt bonds and Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The project is further supported by $ 750,000 grant by the Bronx borough president. Buildings’ mechanical systems include high efficiency condensing boilers designed to operate with low temperature water. Variable speed pumps, high output baseboard radiators, energy recovery ventilators and variable refrigerant flow systems. The project is designed to meet the latest Enterprise Green Communities requirements for energy and water conservation, resident health and wellbeing and resiliency. The buildings are at least 15% more energy efficient than the current energy code.

  • Home / Residential 535 PARK AVENUE: MULTIPLE APARTMENTS ARCHITECT . PROJECT SIZE . 86,000 SF PROJECT COST . SCOPE . MEP engineering design Go 535 PARK AVENUE: MULTIPLE APARTMENTS 535 Park Avenue is located just ½ blocks south of the Upper East Side Historic District. The development of the general area began around 1807 when the City established Hamilton Square as a boon to real estate developers on the tacks of land north of 59th street. Northward expansion of the city was first fueled by growing influx of Irish and German immigrants following the Irish potato famine, and the Revolution of 1848. The completion of Central park in 1858 and construction of elevated railroads on the north-south avenues in the late 1870’s further drove the speculative development in this part of the city. According to History of Real Estate, between 1868 and 1873, the value of property above 59th Street rose over 200 percent. In 1910 the New York Central Railroad decided to build a new Grand Central Terminal and to place the lines running along Fourth Avenue entirely below ground. Thus when the tracks were completely covered over. The name, Park Avenue came into general use replacing Fourth Avenue, and landscaped malls were placed down the middle of the road in the area which previously had been left partially open for ventilation above the railroad tracks. Park Avenue quickly became lined with the same type of luxury apartment buildings which were rising on Fifth Avenue. Once associated with the poor and working class, after the World War I apartment living began to become fashionable for wealthy New Yorkers. In 1909 A consortium of lawyers, bankers and a painter commissioned Herbert Lucas to design a 15-story 35-unit coop building on the southeast corner lot of Park Avenue and 61st Street. Named Number 535 Park Avenue the building was designed of steel frame structure with terra cotta and brick façade adorned with splayed lintels and half-oval balconies. When completed at a cost of approximately $550,000, the building comprised 86,000 square feet and provided hotel-like amenities, such as furnished lobby, uniformed doormen, and elevator operators. Original mechanical systems included central ConEdison steam. Original apartments did not have central air conditioning or cooling, and most of the units had outdated electrical service. Altera Engineering provided MEP engineering design and approval services to several apartments in this building, working closely with architects and owners to integrate state-of-the-art mechanical systems into the existing historic features of the apartments.

  • 30 WEST, VILLAGE OF HAVERSTRAW

    30 West is a proposed new 100% affordable multifamily development. The site of the proposed Project is currently a municipal parking lot for community use, and the Village of Haverstraw has committed to enter into a 99-year ground lease with Westhab to facilitate the development. The Project will have a total of 79 units of affordable housing which will be priced at levels that are affordable to very low- and low-income tenants. It includes two levels of parking that will serve both building residents and the surrounding community. The Project is being developed through a public-private partnership with the Village of Haverstraw to address the growing challenge of high housing cost in Haverstraw and throughout Rockland County. 30 West will be a 100% affordable housing development with a focus on serving the hardest to reach members of the community. 23 of the units will be reserved for households at or below 30% of Rockland County’s Area Median Income (AMI), and between 15 and 20 of the 30% AMI units will be reserved as supportive housing units to serve formerly homeless individuals and families, individuals with mental health, and/or individuals with substance use disorders, among others. Services for the supportive units will be provided by Westhab, Inc, and referrals will be provided by Rockland County Continuum of Care, through the Department of Social Services and local community organizations. The remaining units in the Project will be designated for tenants earning up to 60% AMI. Residential amenities will include an on-site office for supportive services, a laundry room, a community room for tenant use, and an indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge overlooking the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Through Westhab’s unique partnership with Cisco, the project will receive free hi-tech security and Wi-Fi equipment, lowering the cost of construction and providing free high-speed Wi-Fi to all residents. At the time of application, the Village did not have zoning regulations that would support the project. Working with the Village, we helped to draft a new zoning district that can be used for 30 West and for other affordable housing projects in the Village. Home / Multifamily 30 WEST, VILLAGE OF HAVERSTRAW ARCHITECT . Aufgang Architects PROJECT SIZE . PROJECT COST . SCOPE . Design, approvals and construction administration of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and fire alarm systems. Go Go 30 West is a proposed new 100% affordable multifamily development. The site of the proposed Project is currently a municipal parking lot for community use, and the Village of Haverstraw has committed to enter into a 99-year ground lease with Westhab to facilitate the development. The Project will have a total of 79 units of affordable housing which will be priced at levels that are affordable to very low- and low-income tenants. It includes two levels of parking that will serve both building residents and the surrounding community. The Project is being developed through a public-private partnership with the Village of Haverstraw to address the growing challenge of high housing cost in Haverstraw and throughout Rockland County. 30 West will be a 100% affordable housing development with a focus on serving the hardest to reach members of the community. 23 of the units will be reserved for households at or below 30% of Rockland County’s Area Median Income (AMI), and between 15 and 20 of the 30% AMI units will be reserved as supportive housing units to serve formerly homeless individuals and families, individuals with mental health, and/or individuals with substance use disorders, among others. Services for the supportive units will be provided by Westhab, Inc, and referrals will be provided by Rockland County Continuum of Care, through the Department of Social Services and local community organizations. The remaining units in the Project will be designated for tenants earning up to 60% AMI. Residential amenities will include an on-site office for supportive services, a laundry room, a community room for tenant use, and an indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge overlooking the Hudson River and surrounding mountains. Through Westhab’s unique partnership with Cisco, the project will receive free hi-tech security and Wi-Fi equipment, lowering the cost of construction and providing free high-speed Wi-Fi to all residents. At the time of application, the Village did not have zoning regulations that would support the project. Working with the Village, we helped to draft a new zoning district that can be used for 30 West and for other affordable housing projects in the Village.

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