MBI BRINGS TECHNOLOGY-PLUS TO THE STARRETT

FALL 2001
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General Contracting
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Construcr~onManagement
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A Publication of MBI, Inc.
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VOLUME I
ENCORE!:
CLIENT SATISFACTION AT THE
CORE OF EVERY PROJECT
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Welcome to the inaugural issue
of Encore!. We have created this
periodic publication to inform
our colleagues and clients about
MBI's growth and to serve as a
resource for project updates and
new project technologies.
We have selected "Encore!" to symbolize our commitment to client satisfaction. Over the past 14 years,
MBI has contributed to the construction marketplace
with complex, innovative installations for New
York's leading corporations-many of whom have
4 retained MBI for repeat commissions--a testament to
3' the firm and our dedicated personnel.
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You may have noticed that MBI is in the process of
- changing its "look" with a new logo as well as new,
,
' bold corporate colors to reflect our history of strong
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I
experience, projects and personnel. The ''r" in MI31
IS a symbol of our core. values of Innovation,
Integration and Integrity as illustrated through our
firm,our offices and our community outreach initia-
!.
4
ed and in-pmgms W-outs and our ocMuniment to
new technology in f b workplace.
improve our commuicW with our cdleaguea and
clim% a j o y our f& ha&, and please do nat b s i tate to mW u8 aa you plan yow next m s m t i o n
proj-
Sberely,
ISSUE 1
MBI BRINGS TECHNOLOGY-PLUS TO
THE STARRETT-LEHIGH BUILDING
Network Plus, one of the country's leading integrated cornrnunications providers, commissioned MBI, as construction
manager, to build-out its 60,000
SF co-location facilities at 601
West 26th Street in the StarrettLehigh Building. The overriding
project goal: revitalize this 70year-old warehouse for 2 1st century technology requirements.
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The Starrett-Lehigh Building,
completed in 1931, originally
provided a novel solution to
freight distribution with oversized freight elevators and floor
slabs structurally designed to
withstand substantial loads. Who
would have thought, decades
later, that this 19-story manufacturing headquarters
would
become home for high-style,
high-technology tenants such as
Screaming Media;
Martha
Stewart Ornnimedia and Network
Plus.
Network Plus' comprehensive
technology installation required
extensive flexibility on behalf of
MBI. The multi-phase project
consisted of a series of critical
turnover dates. The work began
continued on next page
continued from previous page
in May 2000 and is currently in the
close-out stage. Advanced mechanical power, extensive network infrastructure closets, 30 air conditioning
units, fire suppression systems, 4
rooftop fluid coolers as well as finished office space are integral components of this technologically sophisticated installation.
impeded the process of installing
rooftop cooling towers necessary for
the facility's extensive cooling
requirements.
An advantage, however, was that the
building featured oversized elevators,
originally designed to carry railroad
cars, that can accommodate and transport modern-day trucks as well as
generators and HVAC equipment.
Special variances were required for
the installation of the new generators.
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In addition, the largest mobile crane
available in New York City was
required to hoist the cooling towers
onto the roof.
Additional project highlights included
new 4,000 amp electrical service,
Upstgenerator back-up systems,
redundant power and cooling systems
and a new 20,000 gallon fuel oil loop,
largest
servicing 6 generators-the
being a Kohler 1,500 kw generator
(see photo at right.)
According to John Prendergast,
Project Director, MBI Mission
Critical, "Network Plus envisioned a
facility with a distinct corporate personality including color coordination
and high-end finishing. The final
results will reveal a unique design
integrated with the highest level of
technology available to house network infrastructure."
Major project challenges included
electrical, mechanical and building
coordination, fire and security protection and landmark regulations which
According to David Ostrander,
Network
Plus'
Director
Of
Implementation, "MBI was the perfect choice for this multi-phased
installation for several reasons: the
commitment of a top-tier team for all
phases, the ability to adhere to a tight
project schedule and the firm's innovative approach to technology installations."
Architect: CS Technologies
Engineer: Advanced Engineering, Inc.
Electrical Engineer: FX Bonnes
Associates, Inc.
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MBI IMPLEMENTS VALUE ENGINEERING FOR
MIDDLEBERG EURO AT 102 MADISON
MI31 completed the 12th floor at 102
Madison Avenue at the end of 1999
and completed the 10th and 1lrh floors
when the space became available in
December 2000.
The primary challenge of the latest
assignment, in addition to a tight project schedule, was the redesign and
construction of a new steel and glass
staircase, interconnecting the 3 floors
while the 12th floor was occupied.
In 1998, MBI was retained to buildout the 15' floor of Middleberg
Euro's New York City offices at 130
East 5gth Street. This Year, MBI cornpleted the media company's new
offices at 102 Madison ~venue-a
total of 3 floors, approximately
10,000 SF each.
MBI's project team, led by Dan
Blackall, Senior Project Director,
quickly implemented a 14-week fasttrack project schedule which included
the design of the staircase in collaboration with project architect, David
Midthassel of Berger Rait. MBI
worked closely with the architect and
engineer to develop a value engineer-
ing strategy that would eventually
save Middleberg Euro over $bO,000
while maintaining the design integrity
of the unique, floating glass staircase.
According to Michael Rait, Principal,
"Working with a construction team
like MBI allows us to execute our
designs with the highest level of quality and exactness."
Middleberg's new space includes
open workstations with private offices
around the perimeter. Special features
such as high-end lighting, a cappuccino bar, conference rooms, exposed
ductwork and a skylight give character to Middleberg's newest addition.
Architect: Berger Rait Design
Associates, Inc.
MEP Engineer: Jack Green Associates
MBI SELECTED AS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER FOR
SCHWARTZ & BENJAMIN'S 57TH STREET HEADQUARTERS
and today manufactures lines for
Anne Klein, Kate Spade and Michael
Kors, creating the need for expanded
corporate offices.
C u m p w A&
Image
Architerr
Bngcr Rair Design
MBI was recently awarded the contract to build-out 9,200 SF at 20 West
57th Street by Schwartz & Benjamin,
one of the world's best-known luxury
shoe manufacturers. Schwartz &
Benjamin, a family business founded
in 1923, has earned a reputation for
the production of high quality shoes
framing for a staircase to be built during the second phase. The second
phase (5th floor) will be completed in
8 weeks. The project's completion
date is scheduled for early November.
MBI has worked closely with the
architect since the project's inception
to develop a value engineering strategy-including
alternative materials
and finishes-to
meet the client's
budget requirements, while maintaining the project's stylized look.
The project is to be completed in 2
phases. The first phase (4th floor) is
scheduled to be completed within 11
weeks and includes constructing the
Architect: Berger Rait Design
Associates, Inc.
MEP Engineer: Ambrosino, Depinto
& Schmieder
FACES BEHIND THE PROJECTS:
THE MBI TEAM
CURRENT MBI GENERAL
CONTRACTING PROJECTS:
Edward S. Campanella,
President
'
a The Boys' Club of New York (Core & Shell)
Marc Lovero,
Vice President Operations
Jean Greenlaw,
Vice Presidenf Special Projects
Jason Y. Chen,
Vice President Esfimaling
Marion McMahon Abbe Clubhouse
G: Flushing, New York
United Hospital Fund (Interiors)
350 Fifth Avenue
IF
a Sprint PCS (Interiors)
2184 Broadway
United Parcel Service (Interiors)
' One Rockefeller Center
a Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners (Interiors)
160/170 Varick Street
a Renal Research Institute (Interiors)
207 East 94th Street
a Ropes & Gray (Interiors)
885 Third Avenue
r~=. Jerusalem Venture Partners (Interiors)
4 1 Madison Avenue
*j a New York Dialysis Services (Mission Critical)
j - 65 West 13th Street
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CURRENT MBI COMSTRYGTIOAI
NAGEMEMT PROJECTS:
Senior Project Direcfor
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John J. Prendergast,
Projecf Director,
MBI Mission Critical
,
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Network Plus (Mission Critical)
601 West 26th Street
netNumina Solutions ( I n t e r i m ~ s s i o nCritical)
59 Maiden Lane
NYPD Headquarters (Interiors/Mission Critical)
Brooklyn, New York
a Veritas Software-Phase II (Interim/klission Critical)
380 Madison Avenue
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MBl BRINGS AMERICA ONLINE TO NEW YORK CITYONE PHASE AT A TIME
ongoing maintenance program for all
of their New York City facilities.
Over the past 5 years, MBI has maintained and strengthened a working
relationship with the multi-media
giant, America Online (AOL).
Ln keeping up with AOL's explosive
growth, projects included a total of 7
phases-and counting-as well as an
MBI AND BEWGERRAIT
DESIGN ASSOCIATES:
TEAMING fOR
ANOTHER "ENCORE"
PERFORMANCE
MBI has built a stroxtg relati ship with Bwer Rait Design
Associates, IIEC, for the past 2
years, worlang together on such
-7";ll-knoam projects
as
,.Addleberg E m and the newly
awarded Schwtutz '& Benjamin.
brger Rait is one of New York
City's leadislg kchitectural
firms; headed by founding partm m Lany &ger ansl Michael
& the firm b gairsed a reputatim for distinctive and functional dmign solutions and
strung client advocacy. Since its
*-,
Beggel! &t&!bas realA hnF&
gmmh
and today its @mW,& experienced sta;BF af klkhi-kts, planners and designers work on a full
mge of project for clients in all
ie.
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Much of the work over the years has
been centered around the advertising/sales group located at 620 Avenue
of the Americas. The building itself
presents its own challenges due to its
age and landmark status.
Work is currently being completed on
a conference center at 620 Avenue of
the Americas which followed the
build-out of executive offices at
Carnegie Tower, located at 152 West
57th Street.
According to project architect, Bill
Petrone, "The building included a
number of mechanical and electrical
challenges. Even bringing materials
to the job was difficult since the space
borders a busy shopping area on 18th
Street and 6th Avenue. In addition,
the building is landmarked and parts
of the structure had not been touched
in 102 years."
Architect: Sidnam Petrone Gartner
Architects
Engineer: MGJ Associates, Inc.
MBI JOINS YAI'S CENTRAL PARK
CHALLENGE FAMILY FUN DAY
National lnstihrh for
Run/3K Walk to benefit the organizaP.o~k
wilh Disabilities tion's network of not-for-profit health
and human services agencies serving
people with developmental and learning disabilities and their families.
On Saturday, June 2,2001, MBI sponsored the National Institute for People
with Disabilities (YAI) for a 5K
The MBI staff and their families participated in the race and celebrated the
achievements of people with developmental disabilities. They teamed with
a developmentally challenged "buddy"
and worked together for the successful
compretion of the walk.
P P TOCONTACTMBI:
MBI , Inc.
145 West 45th Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10036
TEL: (212) 376-4400 FAX: (212) 376-6260
Visit us at: www.mbiny.com
MBI CONTINUES TRADITION OF EXPANSION AT
145 WEST 45TH STREET
Over the last decade, MBI has
expanded its corporate offices at a
steady place--communicating its
belief that a company's space should
serve as a showcase for its work and
as a home for its personnel.
MBI's
President, Edward
S.
Campanella, hired the well-known
architectural firm of Wormser +
Associates to cany out his vision of
the space. MBI has had the honor of
working with Peter Wormser, an
accomplished architect recognized for
his innovative designs and his use of
non-typical materials, on several projects.
MARRYING TECHNOLOGY
WITH DESIGN
In every phase, MBI has upgraded not
only its physical space but has also
devoted resources to the role that
technology plays in its development.
The space is employee friendly and
encourages communication between
staff members through the use of open
space, natural light, modem colors
and materials and locations for social
interaction.
MBl O N THE GREEN: MBI TO SPONSOR
UCP'S 12TH ANNUAL FALL GOLF CLASSIC
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MBI's offices are located at 145 West
45th Street, where the firm has been
located since March 1994, after outgrowing its previous office space
downtown. Originally the firm leased
4,500 SF on the 12th floor and penthouse, however, over the last seven
years MBI has expanded twice, bringing its current offices to just over
8,500 SF.
MBI's most recent expansion included a 2,000 SF build-out for its
Accounting and Special Projects
departments. The previous expansion
included 2,500 SF addition for its
Project Directors and their assistants
in addition to the overall renovation
of the firm's existing offices.
For the third year, MBI will join
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater
Suffolk (UCP) as the sponsor for
an annual golf tournament. The
Fall Golf Classic will take place on
October 1, 2001 at the Huntington
Crescent Club on Long" Island's
North Shore. The event will raise
money to support the UCP's quality programs and services that
advance the independence of the
3,000 children and adults served by
the organization. ,;.P ,--:;- . !.. .- ' .
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This popular event will feature a
full brunch, a round of golf, a cocktail hour and dinner. There will
also be a silent auction, awards and
prizes
The 2001 Golf Classic promises to
be the most exciting UCP fundraising event in its history. The MBI
staff is looking forward to what
promises to be a fun-filled, rewarding day.