Planning and Logistics

One of our focuses during preconstruction of the 93,000sf, mixed-use hotel was phasing and logistics due to a small footprint and tight corner site–even for New York City–and the building's proximity to a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway station. We performed a cost-benefit analysis of crane and hoist types, their locations, and time spent on site. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) approved our logistics plan, which included closing the West Broadway parking lane, where we placed a 183ft crawler tower crane with a 130ft boom. The crane installation plan involved piecing its tower together south of the project site, then standing the crane up and "walking" it around the block to the mat. We also placed a dual rack and pinion materials/personnel hoist within the building at the southeast corner of the footprint for loading during the MEP and interior fit-out phases.

Agency Coordination

Construction ran over a subway line for this 100-key four-star hotel and condominium building which required daily coordination with the MTA to monitor vibrations during the erection phase. At the time, the MTA was in the midst of renovating the subway station at all four corners of the intersection, adding additional logistical challenges.

In order to protect the public, we placed a sidewalk bridge on the west and north elevations, and a pedestrian walkway with the footprint of The Smyth after pouring the third floor. To the south is the 19th-Century, landmark Munitions Building, which required regular coordination with the New York City Landmarks Commission and daily coordination with that building's occupants.