AIA Releases Revisions to Industry Standard Contracts

New contracts to include Integrated Project Delivery Guide. Also, new glass tower rises on UES.

Updated Architecture Guidelines Available

The American Institute of Architects recently released the 2007 update to AIA Contract Documents industry standard contracts that define contractual relationships in design and construction projects.

Developed collaboratively with the input of owners, contractors, attorneys and numerous associations, the new documents reflect current industry practices. Normally, AIA Contract Documents are updated every ten years to keep abreast of industry trends.

“We are very grateful to the industry for candidly sharing hundreds of comments these provided the feedback we needed to address all parties’ concerns,” said Suzanne Harness, managing director and counsel of AIA.

The key revisions include: removal of mandatory arbitration, consolidation of arbitrations, opportunity to hire a third-party initial decision maker and limit of the statute of limitations to10 years. Also, Project Management Protective Liability Insurance is deleted and substituted with common insured provisions. The updates also limit the contractor’s right to request financial information from the owner after work commences. A new numbering system and acceptance of digital documents have also been included.

Along with the release of the new contract documents, AIA also introduced “Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide.” The IPD Guide will provide detailed analysis of new delivery models and offer best practices for working within the collaborative model, openly sharing information, executing value-based decision making and utilizing the full technological capabilities of the team, according to AIA.

“Project delivery models must change to increase the quality, cost effectiveness and sustainability of the built environment,” said Markku Allison, resource architect for AIA Strategy and Business Development. “We understand that this model is still in its infancy and have worked to provide a resource that aids the industry in the paradigm shift from current fragmented processes that focus on the short-term to value-based services with high outcome long-term results for all parties involved in the construction project.”

New View for Park Slope

The VUE, a new condominium developed by Fairmont Capital and Katan Group, was recently unveiled in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn.

The design by Karl Fischer Architects and Lessard Design Associates will feature floor-to-ceiling windows in all 45 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. The condominiums, ranging in size from 671-sq-ft to 1,168-sq-ft, will be priced from approximately $380,000 to $900,000.

Kitchens will include American walnut and white acid-etched cabinets, Blue Motion self-closing cabinet doors and drawers as well as Ceasarstone countertops and backsplashes. Master baths will feature custom cherry wood vanities and Quartz countertops, Cremita Italian limestone, Whitesand Italian limestone floors and Toto toilets. Guest baths will have Bamboo Oyster Italian Porcelain floors and Stile Bianco and Techno Vanilla Italian Porcelain Mosaic walls, custom vanities and Quartz countertops. All baths will have oversized soaking tubs and Toto toilets.

Residents will enter the 10-story building through a landscaped courtyard into a lobby. Amenities for VUE will include a meditation garden, a fitness center, private storage rooms, on-site parking and a children’s playroom.

“VUE offers buyers the chance to experience luxury living at an attainable price point,” said Barry Katz, managing director of Fairmont Capital. “Residents will enjoy a culturally rich Brooklyn neighborhood minutes from city life.”

Work on the new condominium by Dover Construction will be completed in early 2008.

New Lofts Unveiled in Harlem

Developer and owner, POKO Partners recently unveiled the design of the 40,000-sq-ft Delany Lofts at 237 and 247 West 115th Street in Harlem.

The new lofts will be two buildings, each seven-stories, with 24 spacious one-bedroom, one-bath lofts and 12 one-bedroom, two-bath loft duplexes with terraces. The design by Feder & Sita Architects boasts of natural light-filled main living rooms with nine- to 10-ft ceilings. The loft homes include individual stacked washer/dryer, open kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel and Energy Star rated appliances, along with full overlay Shaker-style wood cabinetry and hardwood floors. The bathrooms will feature ivory subway tiles and taupe ceramic flooring. Residences will range in price from $420,000 to $1 million.

POKO Partners has internal contractors/project managers who will be heading construction.

“Loft living embraces diversity and strength found in vibrant Harlem,” says Ken Olson, president of POKO Partners, LLC. “The open layout of Delany Lofts conveys a sense of freedom as well as a feeling of getting more space per square foot.”

The $10 million project will be completed in January 2008.

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