A rebounding market and resiliency work helped STV grow its New York regional revenue nearly 60% in 2014—rising to fourth in the ranking of Top Design Firms in the region after placing seventh in last year's list. "A rebound in revenues from our traditional markets —K-12, transportation and corrections—were boosted by Hurricane Sandy repairs and resiliency projects," says Milo E. Riverso, president and CEO. "I see that continuing for a couple more years."

In 2014, STV was particularly focused on designing for resiliency as the firm helped new and existing clients repair or improve infrastructure and facilities damaged by Sandy, which hit the region in 2012.

A lot of the repair work related to Sandy has already been done, but the resiliency work to protect structures from future storms still remains to be done, Riverso says. STV is doing the feasibility study for one of those projects, which is set to involve building walls and floodgates around the Metropolitan Transit Authority's Coney Island Complex, where cars from several subway lines are stored.

The open-air, 75-acre complex is on low ground not far from where Coney Island Creek empties into the Atlantic Ocean, and it suffered massive damage from Sandy. MTA says it is the world's largest rapid transit maintenance and storage facility, able to accommodate as many as 1,800 subway cars.

STV is also providing construction management services as subconsultants, overseeing emergency repairs in several neighborhoods in Queens that also were on the front lines when Sandy hit—including Breezy Point, Rockaway Park, Rockaway Beach, Neponsit and Belle Harbor.

As part of a task-order contract, STV is developing hardening strategies for New York City Transit and working on communications, traction power and structural repairs for the 53rd Street tunnel. The firm also is doing structural assessments for the city's Dept. of Buildings for a variety of residential and commercial properties in Far Rockaway and Lower Manhattan.

The New York City-based firm has also developed a hurricane recovery program management plan for the New York City Housing Authority and is providing the agency PM services for the recovery of 35 residential developments at various locations in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. For the NYC School Construction Authority, STV has performed a wide range of inspection, design and environmental consulting services at more than 200 project sites for schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

As the economy picks up, Riverso expects local funding for resiliency will be replenished by traditional capital program investment. He says STV has already benefited from renewed strength in traditional markets in response to rebounding New York City construction and the firm's combined practice of transportation, infrastructure and buildings has enabled it to reach a broader market.

As part of the Downtown Design Partnership joint venture, STV has been providing final civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering and design for the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in lower Manhattan for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The estimated $4-billion Santiago Calatrava-designed project, which is set to open "in stages" beginning late this year, includes emergency generator systems, added pumping capability and aqua-fencing as resilience features, says an agency spokeswoman. Salt water flooding the lower level after Sandy damaged electrical conduits and escalators under construction, said media reports.

STV also is designing the redeveloped Bronx Psychiatric Center Adult Behavioral Healthcare Center and Campus for the New York State Dormitory Authority and is construction manager for the $4-billion LaGuardia Airport redevelopment project.

The firm also won a $972-million contract for Phase 1 of the Delta terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, which is now completed, and has a $191-million contract for Phase 2 of that project. STV also provided a variety of services for the East Side Access project that is extending rail lines from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.