328 West 38th Street

Cost: $400 million

Although the gradual redevelopment of Manhattan’s Special Garment District has been underway for some time, project teams still have to take care when integrating new developments into the designated preservation areas.

Such was the case with 328 West 38th Street, a 718,500-sq-ft residential complex occupying a 1.1-acre site between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.

Designing the project’s twin, 24-story towers – which rise from a common 11,877-sq ft ground floor and two-level subgrade foundation – to complement the area’s existing design profile was relatively easy, according to its designers. The biggest challenge proved to be at street level, where the owner sought to incorporate lushly landscaped 46-ft long, 12-ft deep recessed entryways into the 250-ft long street walls along 38th and 37th Streets.

“This concept was contrary to the preservation district’s zoning regulations, which require frontage walls to be fully flush with the street line,” says Herb Weber, vice president of architect Stephen B. Jacobs Group. “Over a year, we worked closely with the city to get a variance that allows the recessed entryways, which we feel enhances the pedestrian experience.”

That experience is taken a step further by the building’s two all-glass entrances, which provide views directly to a similarly landscaped interior garden and reflecting pool. Both towers will also have roof gardens totaling more than 4,700 sq ft, rainwater retention systems, and other energy and environmentally responsible features that will ultimately lead to a Silver LEED rating.

advertisement

Creating such a green spot in the Garment District began in early 2008 with the demolition of an existing parking lot and five-story commercial building, minor remediation work, and excavation to a relatively high level of bedrock. The subgrade levels, which include an 80,000-sq ft, 400-space parking garage and support functions, are founded primarily on pilings. Erection has moved quickly on the tower’s poured-in-place concrete superstructure, which will be clad in a combination of aluminum sliding windows, window wall, and masonry, with limestone detailing at street level.

The approximately 568 units, 120 which will be priced as affordable hosuing, range from studios to three bedrooms and will feature modern finishes such as bamboo floors, stone kitchen countertops, and marble bathrooms. As residents begin moving into 328 West 38th Street this fall, they will find a full package of amenities to enjoy, including a swimming pool, library, fitness center with yoga room, a children’s playroom, and lounge. Approximately 11,225 sq ft of commercial space will be available on the building’s 38th Street side.

Team Box

Owner/ General Contractor: West 38th Street LLC, New York
Architect: Stephen B. Jacobs Group, New York
Mechanical Contractor: I.M. Robbins Consulting Engineers
Structural Engineer: Rosenwasser Grossman Consulting Engineers
Interior Designer: Saladino Group; Stratford Design Group