Agencies Line Up For Federal Infrastructure Funds

Regional DOTs seek federal funding. Also, ARE exam deadline creeping up.

Local Agencies Seek Infrastructure Funding

The New York Building Congress has urged Governor David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg to lead a comprehensive effort to secure New York’s share of anticipated federal infrastructure funds

The funding would be used immediately to rebuild aging infrastructure, including the transit network, schools, highways and electrical grid.

NYBC, in its policy statement, warned that action urgently is needed to identify worthy projects and to ensure they begin construction immediately. NYBC recommends the Governor and Mayor establish a task force to analyze and create a list of these projects.

“The stakes are enormous,” said NYBC Chairman Stuart Graham. “At the levels being considered in Washington, this infusion of money has the potential to help rebuild New York’s aging infrastructure and create immediate building industry jobs, while supporting a second wave of economic activity by pumping money into the local economy.”

“No state or region stands to benefit more than New York, which relies on its vast infrastructure network to meet the needs of a growing population and the nation’s largest economic engine,” said NYBC President Richard Anderson. “[But] pointing out need won’t be enough. The situation is dire and calls for something other than a typical ‘business-as-usual’ approach in New York, where critical infrastructure projects can be delayed for years and even decades by bureaucracy, political inertia and needless delay.”

These recommendations stem from NYBC’s fear that the construction industry will see a 25 percent or more job loss in the coming years.

Meanwhile, local Departments of Transportation have also joined in the plea for federal funding.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation has appealed to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine requesting funds for a $2.8 billion unified transportation plan for projects undertaken by NJDOT, NJ Transit, NJ Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority.

Nearly $1 billion of the state’s $2.8 billion investment is either new capital allocated towards projects which were previously unfunded, or revenue allocated toward projects that have been accelerated, said NJDOT.

NJDOT expects the investment plan to improve transportation assets and create approximately 26,000 jobs through December 2009.

“If we are going to provide relief from the national recession, we need to keep New Jerseyans working and keep local economies strong,” Governor Corzine said. “We need boots on the ground. We need shovels in the dirt. These are the projects we need to get under way to help bridge the recession while providing the long-term benefits of an improved transportation infrastructure.”

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is working on its request for funding, but has yet to release any additional information.

The New York State Department of Transportation has not officially put in a request for federal funding but is working with congressional delegation, other states departments and the governor to get some flexibility into the emergency recovery program. They are also working with state leadership in anticipation of authorization of the Federal Highway and Mass Transit statute that expires in December, according to a NYSDOT spokesperson.

NYSDOT is not overly concerned about federal funding at the moment since usually “we get our fair share because we have one of the oldest infrastructure systems that requires a lot more maintenance and care,” he said.

However, many projects on NYSDOT’s plate might not go forward on the original timeline. “The budget in the state of New York is in an extreme deficit situation . . . [and] the circumstances are now requiring us to look more carefully at what we are doing,” he said. “We have projects that need priority like pavement resurfacing, bridge repairs and, well its everything actually.”

NJ Rail Bridge Wins Federal Approval

The Federal Railroad Administration has recently approved NJ Transit’s $1.3 billion project to replace Portal Bridge, a 100-year-old span that carries Northeast Corridor train traffic over the Hackensack River west of Secaucus Junction, in New Jersey.

The recent approval gives NJ Transit permission to move ahead with final engineering on the bridge.

The project will replace Portal Bridge with a pair of new bridges to alleviate congestion. Currently, the structure is a two-track, moveable swing-span rail bridge erected in 1910. The Portal Bridge now operates near capacity during peak periods, carrying 23 trains per hour in the peak direction, according to FRA. The 961-foot span has 23 ft of clearance requiring frequent bridge openings that interfere with rail operations, a process which the new pair of bridges will reduce.

The project is being led by the FRA in cooperation with Amtrak—who currently owns Portal Bridge—and NJ Transit, as part of the Access to the Region’s Core, which will build a new two-track tunnel under the Hudson River in the next decade.

“A new Portal Bridge crossing will have an immediate impact on thousands of our customers by reducing delays associated with the bridge’s operation,” said NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles. “Addressing this aging bridge is a necessity in its own right, but it’s of vital importance viewed in the context of the Access to the Region’s Core.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2011 and take 65 months to complete.

Lehman College Science Building Goes Green

Construction is progressing on Lehman College’s new science building in the Bronx, New York.

Designed by Perkins+Will of New York, the 69,000-sq-ft building will feature laboratories for research and learning, along with a conference center and office space to showcase groundbreaking developments.

Lehman College's new 69,000-sq-ft science building in the Bronx, New York will be centered on a natural wetland and feature laboratories for research and learning, along with a conference center and office space. (Rendering courtesy of Perkins + Will.)

The new science building will be centered on a natural wetland using naturally occurring microbes to clean stormwater and greywater for reuse in the building’s plumbing facilities. Faculty and students will use this system in their research to collect samples and study how contaminants in the water impact the ecosystem and how natural processes can remove these contaminants from our environment. Additionally, the building will feature displays that provide real-time information on building operations, including energy and water usage.

Gilbane Construction of New York will construct the project in three phases. Phase one will cost $68.5 million and include updating laboratories, classrooms, instrumentation, and research space for the Biology and Chemistry Departments; a rooftop teaching and research greenhouse; as well as solar heating technology, a rooftop rainwater collection system, and an artificial wetland.

The $208 million phase two involves construction of additional wet and dry laboratories, classrooms, and a lecture hall; central atrium; artificial wetland; rooftop observation deck; animal facility; and the expansion of a rooftop teaching and research greenhouse. Lehman College expects phase two to break ground in 2012 and anticipates completion in 2015.

Phase three will begin shortly thereafter and includes refurbishment of the existing Gillet Hall, computer labs and classrooms for general use; and construction of an elevated walkway connecting Gillet Hall and Phase two. The cost of phase three has yet to be finalized.

“The integrated research network that will result will play a leading role in advancing the frontier of knowledge and expanding our region’s science-related industries and opportunities,” said Dr. Matthew Goldstein, City University of New York Chancellor. Lehman College serves approximately 11,000 students as part of CUNY.

The new building is CUNY’s first LEED-certified project and is striving for LEED-NC Gold. Sustainable features include preservation of the existing trees and reuse of the College’s 1950’s rock garden; radiant floor heating; rooftop greenhouse; solar hot water panels, and aggressive storm and greywater management systems and provisions for future blackwater treatment. It is also part of CUNY’s “Decade of the Sciences” initiative, which is an effort designed to renew the CUNY’s commitment to science, math, technology, and engineering.

“This new facility will allow Lehman’s science programs, especially on the graduate level, to attract a new generation of students and scholars,” said Lehman College President Dr. Ricardo Fernandez. “The subsequent research that is conducted will open the door to discoveries, in areas such as improved food production and the development of new pharmaceuticals that we can only imagine right now.”

The first phase of the project broke ground in September 2008 and is currently on schedule.

Project Team Selected for Armed Forces Center

Construction on a new 123,000 sq ft Armed Forces Reserve Center is underway in the Fort Hamilton section of Brooklyn, New York.

New York Construction firm The Pike Company has been selected for construction services and national engineering and architecture firm Dewberry will serve as prime designer for the $56 million Armed Forces Reserve Center in Brooklyn, New York. (Rendering Courtesy of Dewberry.)

New York Construction firm The Pike Company has been selected for construction services and national engineering and architecture firm Dewberry will serve as prime designer, providing overall project management, as well as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, structural and geotechnical engineering work.

“It is an honor for The Pike Company to work on this project that will help our armed forces and strengthen America’s national security,” said Pike Company Chairman and CEO Tom Judson.

The $56 million project includes the Reserve Center, a 3,500-square-foot maintenance training building, and administrative and organizational buildings, which will house the headquarters, classrooms, arms rooms, logistics/supply rooms, motor-pools and maintenance bays.

Before construction began, the site was previously an ongoing army base. Project work includes demolition of five buildings, renovation of existing facilities and expansion of the new Center.

The project is being constructed as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Report, which aims to renovate and build Armed Forces Reserve Centers across the country and also consolidate existing and outlying Reserve and National Guard facilities. Approximately 100 AFRC units being built nation-wide to support the BRAC consolidation plan, according to Pike.

The project broke ground in December 2008 and is slated for completion in June 2011.

Jamaica Revitalization Underway

The first segment of the revitalization project for Downtown Jamaica in Queens broke ground with an improvement project to transform a series of garbage loading docks into retail space.

The $12 million project is located on the Sutphin Boulevard underpass, across from the AirTrain/Long Island Rail Road Jamaica Station entrance. The new retail spaces are expected to accommodate more than 300,000 daily LIRR commuters. Once it is completed in mid-2010, the underpass will offer a better pedestrian experience by adding overhead lighting, replacing dark, cavernous spaces with vibrant store fronts and installing a new sidewalk and roadbed. Additionally, bus stops will be widened as a portion of the project.

Approximately 6,400 sq ft of retail space will be created in the 10,200 sq ft area. The LIRR will keep the remaining 3,800 SF for operations.

The Sutphin Boulevard project is the first in a series of three intermodal-related projects totaling $98 million that will help transform Downtown Jamaica into a vibrant, commercial center. Phase two—expected to break ground in 2010—will extend Atlantic Avenue to connect with 95th Avenue to improve access to the AirTrain/LIRR Station from the Van Wyck Expressway, as well as involve creation of a small park. The third phase, Station Plaza, will commence in 2011 to realign the intersection of Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard to ease traffic and pedestrian conflicts as well as enhance the streetscape environment. Both phases will take up to 18 months to complete.

In September 2007, the City of New York approved the rezoning of 368 blocks in Jamaica as part of a “Jamaica Plan” intended to promote creation of 3 million sq ft of new office, retail and hotel space, 9,500 jobs and 5,200 new units of housing while protecting the area’s lower scale residential blocks, according to Greater Jamaica Development Corporation of New York, the developers and construction managers of the project.

“This groundbreaking is a symbol of the area’s growth and progress. For thousands of visitors and residents who utilize the LIRR every day, the Sutphin Boulevard underpass is their gateway to the district,” said Carlisle Towery, president of GJDC. “Thanks to the efforts of our partners in government—MTA, LIRR, NYS DOT and NYC EDC & DOT—and the financial support of Congressman [Gregory] Meeks, Assemblywoman [Vivian] Cook and Councilman [Thomas] White, Jamaica is a step closer to becoming an airport village.”

Funding has been secured from the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration through the NYC Economic Development Corporation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“One of my greatest concerns has been making sure that the Sixth Congressional District receives new growth and development,” said Congressman Meeks. “The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation has taken progressive steps to create new jobs, housing, retail and office space that will benefit citizens in my district and throughout New York as well as be an essential boost to our economy.”

Work on TriBeCa Project Continues

The New York City Department of Design and Construction broke ground on the Harrison Street Reconstruction project in November 2008 and construction is currently progressing on schedule.

The project involves excavation on the north side of Leonard Street between West Broadway and Hudson Street; utility upgrades including water and sewer mains, catch basins, and electric, cable, and telecommunications; as well as restoration of curbs, sidewalks, and roadways including repaving with original cobblestones on historic streets. The project team also will repave with cobblestones the streets that originally used them, and rebuild sidewalks and curbs with granite and stone. Additionally, Greenwich from Hubert to Canal Streets, and Harrison from Hudson to West Street will be reconstructed.

The reconstruction of Harrison Street is part of a wider plan to improve and update infrastructure in Lower Manhattan. Along with Harrison Street, NYCDDC launched the capital reconstruction of Leonard from West Broadway to Hudson Street; Greenwich from Hubert to Canal Streets; and Harrison from Hudson to West Street.

Felix Construction is the general contractor for the capital improvement projects, which collectively focus on utility upgrades, curb and sidewalk restoration, and roadway repaving.

Work began on Leonard Street in November 2008, and on Greenwich just south of Canal in early 2009. Reconstruction of Harrison from Hudson to West Street is slated to start by late 2009.

Because TriBeCa includes a historic district, vibrations are being kept to a minimum around older buildings by avoiding use of backhoes to break pavement, and excavating by hand rather than with heavy machinery, according to NYCDDC.

The entire capital improvement project is expected to conclude in spring 2010.

Construction Attorney Calls For Construction Cost Overhaul

To mitigate the effects of the growing recession, industry leaders are calling for better cost management on projects in New York, where, according a report released by the New York Building Congress, construction costs are markedly higher than the rest of the nation.

According to the report, factors such as higher labor costs and insurance rates and liabilities, prevailing wage mandates, union requirements, environmental mitigation costs and a limited number of available sites, keep costs in New York City considerably higher than the national average. Additionally, land costs have skyrocketed beyond all other factors, driven by returns in the luxury condominiums and office markets of New York.

Manhattan-based construction lawyer and author Barry LePatner has been traveling and speaking to industry and government groups urging them to be more efficient in the cost management of public projects.

LePatner says public projects cost American taxpayers, corporations and developers more than $120 billion annually in unnecessary construction spending and recommends equally balancing three concepts when planning public projects: risks associated with new construction, more efficient performance and fair pricing.

“The nation is poised to embark on unanticipated remedial infrastructure work that will cost $1.6 trillion,” said LePatner, who has been traveling the country over the last year speaking about inefficient spending. “Turning this amount of funding over to an unreformed construction industry without tightened controls would be a financial disaster.”

LePatner proposes comprehensive due diligence on prospective team members; insisting on 100 percent complete and coordinated construction documents before commencing construction; carefully evaluating the cost benefit of fast-track and design-build project delivery; considering payment of a “risk premium” in exchange for securing a true fixed-price contract; and providing a system to quickly resolve change orders, delay claims and other disputes, will save the construction industry.

However, New York Building Congress President Richard Anderson argues there are more pressing issues currently facing construction teams. “Costs are always a priority, but many other issues present challenges to the industry,” he said. “Resuscitating the economy and generating jobs and development activity are even more important.”

According to a study produced by NYBC in late 2008, leaders are predicting an increase in construction costs to one percent per month through 2010.

“Barry’s findings are not universally shared, but some are right on target and deserve to be thoroughly considered,” explained Anderson. “We are a high-cost industry, extremely fragmented, with many different players and there is certainly room for improved efficiency.”

ARE Exam Deadline Approaching

The deadline is fast-approaching for candidates taking the Architectural Registration Licensing Examination.

Beginning June 30, 2009, ARE 3.1 will be replaced by version 4.0. Should any portion of the exam be outstanding, the previously passed exams may not qualify and as many as five will require retakes under the new format.

The new test condenses nine sections to seven, and eliminates the section on building technology, redistributing the graphic problems to five of the seven new sections of the ARE 4.0.

“If you do not pass the building technology portion by June 30, you may have to take five sections of ARE 4.0, even if you passed all of the other eight categories under ARE 3.1,” Vincent Battista, executive director at the Institute of Design and Construction in Brooklyn, which offers courses to prepare for the ARE.

The ARE tests can be taken at separate times as long as the candidate passes all sections within a five-year period.

Retail Rehab Planned for Lower Manhattan

Plans to redevelop 40 Rector Street, a Class A office and retail building in downtown New York, are currently underway.

The 600,000-sq-ft, 19-story building was originally built in 1920 and designed by Warren & Wetmore, who designed Grand Central Terminal, the Helmsley Building, New York Biltmore Hotel, Chelsea Piers.

Developer Philips International of New York purchased the building in 2001 and selected Andres Escobar & Associates of New York to perform the design. The project details include constructing a new front entrance, lobby redesign, energy-efficient window installation, and upgrades to the base-building systems, elevator cabs and mechanicals.

“With the confluence of so many exciting developments downtown and in the financial district, we thought it was the perfect time to upgrade this historic building to a new standard of modern elegance and functionality,” said Seth Pilevsky, managing director of Philips International. “This multi-million dollar capital improvement program will further position the building as the best value in highly desirable downtown Manhattan.”

A general contractor is expected to be selected in the third quarter of this year. Currently the project is undergoing construction for window replacement and elevator upgrades. It is slated for completion in 2010.

Pier 57 Proposals Under Microscope

Hudson River Park Trust, responsible for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the 550-acre Hudson River Park on the west side of Manhattan, has recently announced that three proposals are currently under review for the Pier 57 segment of the project.

Pier 57 is a National Historic Registry structure containing approximately 375,000 sq ft of waterfront space. The three submissions came from The Durst Organization and C&K Properties, The Related Companies, and Youngwoo & Associates, in response to HRPT’s RFP issued in June 2008.

“We are pleased that three top development teams, all of whom have built well received projects in the past, submitted proposals for the opportunity to redevelop Pier 57,” said Diana Taylor, chair of HRPT. “Revenue from Pier 57 will play a crucial role in the maintenance for this Park for decades to come, so it is important that the board review these proposals carefully and select the right match for our needs.”

The Durst Organization and C&K Properties’ proposal creates a $330 million “Harbor Square,” featuring retail, public space and cultural and performance venues. The proposal allocates 58,000 sq ft for The Children’s Museum of Manhattan; a similarly sized space for “Live Music Venue and Restaurant;” 32,000 sq ft of events space; 173,000 sq ft of leasable retail and restaurant space, seven acres of interior and exterior public spaces, and 30,000 sq ft of parking. Additionally, a maritime program is planned for the north and south sides of the pier.

The Related Companies $353 million design includes 84,000 sq ft allocated for a food marketplace and retail, 63,000 sq ft facility for Sundance Films, 75,000 sq ft of events space, including a 20,000 sq ft central ballroom and 8,000 sq ft conference space as well as a 19,000 sq ft space for a pool deck and cafe on the rooftop. Additionally, the proposal includes a 91-slip marina on the north and south sides of the pier. In regard to public space, Related has designed 11,000 sq ft for a multi-purpose, community–use public room, a 4,000 sq ft space for education, history and environmental design, a one acre public park, and 112,000 sq ft automated robotic parking system.

The $191 million proposal by Youngwoo & Associates features Phillips de Pury & Company’s Contemporary Culture Center for open galleries, fine art auctions, musical performances, and ancillary space in 100,000 sq ft of space. Also, the design incorporates 240,000 sq ft for a public market, which would include 80 small designer businesses and restaurants as well as 93,000 sq ft for the TriBeCa Enterprises/ TriBeCa Film Festival events. Five acres of new public space will be created, 30,000 sq ft for an educational center with interactive exhibits, as well as 31,700 sq ft of parking.

Although all three teams expressed interest in designing sustainably, only YWA aims to achieve a LEED Gold certification for Pier 57.

“Clearly these developers put a tremendous amount of effort into coming up with exciting visions for what Pier 57 can become,” said Connie Fishman, president of HRPT. “Although there is still much information to review, the idea of Pier 57 becoming a major hub for Hudson River Park is certainly appealing.”

HRPT is expected to select a design within the coming months.

NJDOT Undertakes Bridge Replacement

The New Jersey Department of Transportation recently broke ground on a project to replace the Park Avenue Bridge over Route 3 in Rutherford Borough and Lyndhurst Township, Bergen County.

The $9.8 million project also includes drainage improvements, roadway resurfacing, sidewalk installation and curb installation on the Park Avenue approaches to the new bridge.

“The Park Avenue Bridge replacement reflects the State of New Jersey’s commitment to improve the condition of bridges statewide,” said New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine.

The existing bridge is structurally deficient and in need of replacement, according to a NJDOT spokesperson. Also, the project serves as a lead-in to the larger Route 3 over the Passaic River bridge replacement project, which is currently in the works and scheduled to begin construction in 2010 or 2011.

NJDOT will shift traffic to the eastern half of the Park Avenue Bridge to establish a permanent work zone on the western half of the bridge. NJDOT will maintain one lane in each direction. The western half of the existing bridge will be demolished while the southbound side of the new bridge is constructed. NJDOT will also construct a temporary pedestrian bridge west of the bridge and remove the sidewalk on the eastern half of the existing bridge. Upon completion of the southbound side of the bridge in summer 2009, traffic will shift to the new structure and the remainder of the existing structure will be demolished.

The new Park Avenue structure will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction.

The contractor, Anselmi & DeCicco, Inc. based in Maplewood, N.J., is scheduled to complete the project in February 2010.

Bronx Renovation Project Breaks Ground

Project teams recently broke ground on a four building rehabilitation project in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the South Bronx.

The project site houses four formerly foreclosed properties at -719 Coster St., 739 Coster St., 741 Coster St., and 671 Manida St. The project involves rehabilitating the 125 affordable housing units: 19 one-bedrooms, 64 two-bedrooms, 32 three-bedrooms and 10 four-bedrooms. The four buildings have five and six stories and cover 108,700 sq ft.

In response to tenant concerns, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development had foreclosed on the buildings because of poor management by their former owners, according to the Community Preservation Corporation, in partnership with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, provided a $13.3 million construction loan for the project.

Construction also includes new kitchens, new apartment entry and interior apartment doors, painting, repair of existing floors, new plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms, new window sills and upgrades to the electrical systems.

The exterior brick masonry walls will be cleaned, the courtyard rear and side yard wall will be repaired and finished with a coating, building entrance systems will be replaced, exterior lighting and a security system will be installed and the roof will be replaced. All work will be done without displacing residents.

The developer is Phoenix Estates Housing Development Fund Corp, and owner is Phoenix Estates LLC—a joint venture of New York ACORN Housing Company, Inc. and We Stay/Nos Quedamos, Inc. The project was designed by DeLaCour and Ferrara Architects of Brooklyn.

“The renovations to Phoenix Estates will be a welcome addition to this thriving community,” said Michael Lappin, President and CEO of The Community Preservation Corporation. “We are delighted to work once again with the New York ACORN Housing Company and Nos Quesdamos to help provide quality, affordable housing options for the South Bronx’s working families.”

Galaxy Construction Corp. of New York anticipates completion of the $12.7 million project by the end of 2010.

First Residential Curtain Wall in Jersey City

Construction is progressing on two residential towers - 77 Hudson Street project in Jersey City - and upon completion, will feature the first residential curtain wall in Jersey City. (Rendering courtesy of The Rooster Group.)

Construction is progressing on two residential towers—the 77 Hudson Street project in Jersey City—and upon completion, will feature the first residential curtain wall in Jersey City.

Work began one the two, 48-story, 420-unit towers in June 2006. Each 500-ft tower will sit atop a 10-story parking garage. The east tower, K Hovnanian, will be condominiums, and the west tower, Equity Residential, will be rental units. The entire project is 944,354 sq ft. Previously, a parking lot was located on the site.

Designed by Cetra/Ruddy Architects of New York, the 22-ft high lobby will have a water and vistas theme, reflecting three shades of blue glass that clad the buildings’ exterior glass wall, according to the architects. The lobby also features blue stone floors and a curved teak slatted wall.

Amenities for the project will include a lounge, screening room, game room, cafe business center, grocery storage, fitness and wellness center, children’s playroom, landscaped rooftop park, terraced gardens, pool, dog park, jogging path, and 24-hr concierge.

The biggest construction challenges thus far have been the wind and 1400 piles driven for foundation, said Cetra/Ruddy.

The construction manager for 77 Hudson is Hunter Roberts of New York and the project is currently on schedule for a winter 2009 completion.

By Nichole Altmix