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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.
- WHAT WE DO | Altera Engineering
The Altera team assists architects and designers with HVAC, Electrical, Fire Protection, Plumbing and Sanitary Engineering, Special and Progress Inspections ENGINEERING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES We provide quality, responsive and practical engineering design solutions that meet our client’s needs. Our designs are greener, leaner and cost-effective. HVAC Engineering • Complete Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System Design • High-end, Custom Design for Residential, Commercial, Multifamily, Educational and Institutional Spaces • Variable refrigeration volume systems design and optimization • Heat recovery and renewable energy sources • Geothermal unitary systems • Central Chilled Water, Condenser Water, Hot Water, Geothermal and Steam Plants • Thermal Storage and Buffer Systems • Fuel conversions Electrical Engineering • Complete Building Power Distribution • MV and HV Building Service Design • Emergency Power and Stand-by Power • Electrical service upgrades Fire Protection Engineering • Sprinkler and standpipe systems design Plumbing and Sanitary Engineering • Domestic water distributions for lowrise and highrise buildings • Sanitary and storm drainage systems • Storm water collections • Cross connection applications for water and sewer services Special and Progress Inspections • Mechanical Systems • Sprinkler Systems • Heating Systems • Chimneys • Firestop, Draftstop, and Fireblocking Systems • Energy Code Progress TR8 Inspections Resiliency Resilience is the new sustainability. To us, resiliency means an ability to quickly adapt to changes. The most obvious challenges are due to the changing climate with higher temperatures, sea level rise, flooding, drought, and wildfires. Risk and challenges from non-climate-related natural disasters, such as earthquakes and solar flares, and anthropogenic actions like terrorism and cyberterrorism, also call for resilient design. Resilience for businesses and organizations means maintaining continuity of operations in the face of stress and disturbance. Resilience for buildings it means an ability to respond to natural and manmade disasters by providing potable water, sanitation, livable conditions, energy, lighting, safe air, and occupant health. We help our clients assess and quantify risks to their build assets, and implement measures to mitigate them. We provide technical and strategic recommendations for facility design, system specifications, methodologies and processes, and business continuity. Our services include: Advice on design of buildings and building systems capable of handling severe storms, flooding, wildfire, and other impacts that are expected to result from a warming climate Design passive heating and cooling strategies for loss of power or heating fuel Provide risk assessment based on future climatic conditions Advice on site selection Advice architects or owners on material and component selections Design of redundant water supply and sewage systems Design redundant power systems and on-site generation Local Law 87 New York City’s Greener, Greater Buildings Plan Legislation (GGBP) requires all buildings over 50,000 square feet to take specific actions aimed at increasing energy efficiency. These actions include: Measuring and reporting energy use Identifying inefficient systems Optimizing existing systems Our team of energy experts can provide you the support you need to navigate GGBP compliance and access funding available to help pay for required work. We provide comprehensive energy efficiency and compliance services. Our offerings include: ASHRAE Level I, II and III energy audits Commissioning and retro-commissioning Feasibility Studies Benchmarking Energy Audit Energy Master Planning Demand Response Assessments Industrial Process Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Systems Metering, Verification, and Continuous Monitoring Combined Heat and Power (CHP) & Distributed Generation (DG) Green Building Assessment/Sustainable Design Local Law 97 We can make Local Law compliance work for you! REQUEST HELP High Performance Buildings A high-performance building integrates and optimizes all major high-performance building attributes including energy efficiency, durability, life-cycle performance, and occupant productivity. We offer advisory and engineering design services that enable our clients to successfully address the challenges of designing, implementing and operating a high-performance building or space. Our services include: • Engineering design and implementation of various heating, cooling, ventilation, resource conservation, adaptability, resiliency, and other technologies • Complete sustainability and energy efficiency consulting • Energy Modeling • Intelligent reuse of buildings • Greenhouse gas emissions reductions • Lifecycle assessment • Feasibility studies • NYSERDA rebates and incentives • Optimization of building mechanical systems • Façade/envelope optimization • Advice on wellness and healthy spaces • Assessment of risk in vulnerability to power grid failures, fuel shortages, exposure to legislative changes requiring buildings decrease consumption of resources and emission of greenhouse gas Backflow Prevention DESIGN AND APPROVAL WITHIN 3 WEEKS Call (212) 330-7634 or get started right now by filling in our form below. Our engineering team will be with you in 48 hours. Free phone consultation Competitive fees Fast approvals. Based on typical approval times, most projects are approved within 3 weeks. Individual results may vary subject to specific project conditions. Our team of licensed engineers have experience meeting all NYC code requirements. We offer engineering design and approvals for cross connection applications, for commercial, residential, multifamily and industrial properties including new construction and existing buildings.
- OUR TEAM | Altera Engineering
Altera Engineers assist architects and designers with HVAC, Electrical, Fire Protection, Plumbing and Sanitary Engineering, Special and Progress Inspections MEET OUR TEAM Dmitriy Morozov is the co-founder of the firm and is responsible for firm’s strategy and business development. Mr. Morozov’s expertise includes design of heating, cooling, ventilation and central plant systems for commercial, residential and institutional projects as well as energy conservation in new and existing buildings. Mr. Morozov enjoys working closely with designers and building end-users in finding innovative and energy conscious solutions that support designers' vision and end-users' needs. Mr.Morozov has over 20 years of experience in design and construction of building mechanical systems. Mr. Morozov has completed projects totaling over $3 billion in construction costs with over 6 million square feet of space. Alex Kheyfets is a co-founder and principal of the firm’s plumbing division. Mr. Kheyfets is responsible for plumbing and fire protection design and construction services, as well as firm’s technical standards and building codes compliance. His expertise includes design of Plumbing and Fire Protection systems for commercial, residential and institutional projects. Mr.Kheyfets has over 20 years of experience in design and construction of building plumbing and fire protection systems, and has completed projects totaling over $2 billion in construction costs.
- Altera Engineering | MEP, HVAC engineering | 1460 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA
The Altera team assists architects and designers with MEP, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Protection, Plumbing and Sanitary Engineering, Special and Progress Inspections Build With Us Go We are passionate about buildings and the transformative impact they have on people and communities. Our mission is to collaborate closely with designers, architects, and owners from the earliest stages of every project, integrating innovative and energy-efficient systems that enhance, rather than distract from, the architectural vision. At Altera Engineering, we pride ourselves on innovation, precision, and a commitment to sustainability. We push the boundaries of engineering technology, exploring new materials, energy-saving strategies, and smart building systems that reduce environmental impact and enhance long-term operational efficiency. Every project we undertake reflects our dedication to engineering excellence, attention to detail, and delivering results that inspire pride in both our clients and ourselves. We believe that thoughtful engineering is about more than meeting technical requirements—it’s about crafting solutions that blend form, function, and sustainability. Our approach prioritizes seamless coordination between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to ensure they work in harmony with the design intent, creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly functional, comfortable, and efficient. Our passion is building better, smarter, and more beautiful environments. Together with our partners, we strive to create spaces that elevate the human experience, enhance the built world, and set new standards for design-driven engineering. Build with us! Go Featured Projects With decades of experience in engineering complex and inspiring projects, Altera Engineering understands that every building presents unique challenges and opportunities. By engaging early in the design process, we can anticipate potential obstacles, offer practical, cost-effective solutions, and optimize system performance while maximizing usable space. We prioritize clear communication, transparency about design trade-offs, and delivering on time all essential factors in driving project success.
- UNITED NATIONS PERMANENT MEMORIAL
ARK OF RETURN Permanent Memorial at the United Nations in Honor of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Rodney Leon won an international UNESCO design competition to erect a memorial to commemorate victims of the Atlantic slave trade. Here’s how the designer talks about the process: ”The Ark of Return” memorial is a sacred space that is designed to psychologically and spiritually transport visitors to a place where acknowledgement, education, reflection and healing can take place. The memorial’s exterior form is constructed in a fashion to reflect the image of a vessel or ship in acknowledgement of the millions of African people transported on slave ships to different parts of the world during the “Middle Passage.” Images of maps depicting the “Triangular Slave Trade” influenced the use of the triangle as a primary element in designing the memorial’s shape. The memorial is conceptually also organized in three parts and visitors are meant to pass through “The Ark of Return” to intimately experience three primary elements on the interior space. The first element is a three dimensional map inscribed on the interior of the memorial. This map highlights the African continent at its center and graphically depicts the global scale, complexity and impact of the triangular slave trade in “acknowledgement of the tragedy.” The second element is full-scale human figure lying horizontally in front of a wall inscribed with images of the interior of a slave ship. This is meant to communicate and educate visitors on the physical conditions endured by the millions of African people transported under extreme conditions during the middle passage. The visitors are provided the opportunity to seriously “consider the legacy” of slavery’s impact upon humanity. The third element is a triangular reflecting pool, which introduces water in a meditative, ritualistic and spiritual manner. Visitors are invited to pour libations or say a prayer in memory of the millions of souls that were lost “lest we forget” this monumental and historic tragedy. Altera Engineering were invited to advice the design team at the concept stage. The firm’s engineers were tasked with collaborating with the contractor for the General Assembly renovation in locating and bringing power and water to the sculpture of the Ark. Home / Cultural UNITED NATIONS PERMANENT MEMORIAL ARCHITECT . Rodney Leon Architects PROJECT SIZE PROJECT COST SCOPE . Full MEP design and construction administration services. Plumbing and electrical power, construction administration Go Go ARK OF RETURN Permanent Memorial at the United Nations in Honor of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Rodney Leon won an international UNESCO design competition to erect a memorial to commemorate victims of the Atlantic slave trade. Here’s how the designer talks about the process: ”The Ark of Return” memorial is a sacred space that is designed to psychologically and spiritually transport visitors to a place where acknowledgement, education, reflection and healing can take place. The memorial’s exterior form is constructed in a fashion to reflect the image of a vessel or ship in acknowledgement of the millions of African people transported on slave ships to different parts of the world during the “Middle Passage.” Images of maps depicting the “Triangular Slave Trade” influenced the use of the triangle as a primary element in designing the memorial’s shape. The memorial is conceptually also organized in three parts and visitors are meant to pass through “The Ark of Return” to intimately experience three primary elements on the interior space. The first element is a three dimensional map inscribed on the interior of the memorial. This map highlights the African continent at its center and graphically depicts the global scale, complexity and impact of the triangular slave trade in “acknowledgement of the tragedy.” The second element is full-scale human figure lying horizontally in front of a wall inscribed with images of the interior of a slave ship. This is meant to communicate and educate visitors on the physical conditions endured by the millions of African people transported under extreme conditions during the middle passage. The visitors are provided the opportunity to seriously “consider the legacy” of slavery’s impact upon humanity. The third element is a triangular reflecting pool, which introduces water in a meditative, ritualistic and spiritual manner. Visitors are invited to pour libations or say a prayer in memory of the millions of souls that were lost “lest we forget” this monumental and historic tragedy. Altera Engineering were invited to advice the design team at the concept stage. The firm’s engineers were tasked with collaborating with the contractor for the General Assembly renovation in locating and bringing power and water to the sculpture of the Ark.
- THE OASIS |SCOPE . MEP systems. Iterative energy modeling helped informed the architect of curtain wall design and shading elements
THE OASIS SCOPE . MEP systems. Iterative energy modeling helped informed the architect of curtain wall design and shading elements PROJECT COST . Home / Commercial THE OASIS ARCHITECT . Archimaera PROJECT SIZE . 521,000 SF PROJECT COST . SCOPE . MEP systems. Iterative energy modeling helped informed the architect of curtain wall design and shading elements Go Go 38-42 12th Street, Long Island City, NY A 521,000 SF 14 - story commercial office building with 381,000 SF of Class A office space, 42,000 SF of ground floor retail and food hall and 60,000 SF of restaurant, commercial kitchen and a 700 person banquet hall. The building sits above an 83,500 Sf parking garage. The owners had laid out ambitious energy efficient goals for the project, with the US Passive House performance as a ceiling and a net zero as the floor. In addition to low energy use and superior indoor air quality, the developers also wanted to allow for flexibility to subdivide and expand. Because of its location in Queens, the owners’ business plan relied on the shift in commercial real estate from central to hub and spoke model. The developers were seeking rent premiums by attracting high tech sophisticated credit rated tenants, to whom reduced carbon footprint and high indoor air quality were must have attributes in all of their locations. ALTERA ENGINEERING worked closely with the architect to create performance benchmarks for the building, and to establish the scope of MEP systems. Iterative energy modeling helped informed the architect of curtain wall design and shading elements. MEP Systems: Ground-source heat pumps with air to water VRF heat pumps for heat injection No natural gas for heating or domestic hot water Underfloor air distribution system with different supply air temperatures: perimeter and interior zones Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) Commercial kitchen exhaust Parking garage exhaust Stair pressurization and smoke purge systems 480/277 VAC power distribution system via bus ducts and step down transformers 500 kW emergency generator In addition to the building performance challenges, the site is located in the flood zone and all incoming services had to be elevated. ALTERA ENGINEERING worked with ConEdison to provide spaces within the building for the incoming electric service.








