Condo Tower Rising on UES

Construction is underway at 205 East 59th St., a new 27-story luxury condominium tower rising on the site that once housed the Baronet and Coronet Theaters.

The project was designed by architect Richard Dattner and is the latest development by builder Donald Zucker, chairman of Manhattan Skyline Management Corporation, an arm of the Zucker Organization.

The building features 62 residences for sale and is scheduled for occupancy in spring 2005. The 21 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom apartments range in size from 1,113 sq. ft. to 1,552 sq. ft. and in price from $1,468,500 to $3,018,000. Size and price details of the 2,706-sq.-ft. penthouse were not revealed.

University Construction Briefing Held

John E. Osborn P.C. and SoundBuild, Inc. hosted an executive briefing in March called "University Construction: Protecting the Bottom Line" attended by representatives from local and regional colleges and universities.

The program featured presentations by capital planning and allocation by Anthony Pacheco, vice president and chief of staff for the office of the executive vice president/treasurer of St. John's University; capital project design and construction by John Rutigliano, director of planning and construction at New York University; program and project management by Peter Mannello, senior associate of SoundBuild, Inc. and strategic legal issues of design and construction contracts, troubleshooting and dispute resolution by John Osborn of John E. Osborn, P.C.

The panelists concluded that, to achieve successful project completion, the critical ingredients are effective planning, the right project delivery method, the appropriate project team and strategic legal advice including drafting of design and construction contracts, troubleshooting during the project and favorably resolving claims after project close-out.

Yusuf Basusta, who owns Liman Restaurant, reportedly gave the inspector $400 in exchange for not issuing violations for plumbing work at his restaurant. He was charged with third-degree bribery and giving unlawful gratuities, according to the department.

The investigation began after a plumbing inspector in the city's Department of Buildings reported that Basusta had allegedly given him money in exchange for not issuing violations for unlicensed plumbing work, working without a permit, and failing to have the new plumbing tested to ensure proper installation. Following the report, investigators recorded a conversation between the inspector and Basusta about the alleged bribe.

City regulations require new plumbing work to be done with a permit and tested. In addition, new plumbing work must be installed by a master plumber.

1359 Broadway to Get $53M Upgrade

Owners of an office building at 1359 Broadway in Manhattan began a $53 million renovation capital improvement program.

The program will include new windows, washrooms, HVAC system, elevator cabs, mechanical and safety systems, newer and faster elevators and refurbished public corridors.

Part of the W & H Properties portfolio, 1359 Broadway is owned by Marlboro Building Associates LLC, a partnership led by Peter Malkin.

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