Interior/Tenant Improvement Best Project: BNY Mellon Headquarters
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL INTERNATIONAL INC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL INTERNATIONAL INC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL INTERNATIONAL INC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HILL INTERNATIONAL INC.
BNY Mellon Headquarters
New York City
Best Project
Owner The Bank of New York Mellon
Lead Design Firm Gensler
General Contractor Structure Tone; Hill International Inc.
MEP Engineer Robert Derector Associates
When envisioning a new company headquarters at 225 Liberty Street in downtown Manhattan, BNY Mellon’s goal was to incorporate a design to emphasize shared space and enhance productivity as well as employee health and wellness. The new workplace is more open and dynamic and offers the choice of a variety of spaces for workers.
The construction team stuck to a strict time line and was able to complete construction in just nine months while staying within budget. The financial institution’s long history, with roots that date to its founding by Alexander Hamilton, “is not something that was lost on the entire project team,” says Christopher Barbaro, senior associate at Gensler. “The schedule, while aggressive, was met because all parties had input from the onset and at critical points of synergy.”
The project consisted of 330,000 sq ft on six floors of the 44-story building, with design incorporating an open office floor plan. In addition, a wellness center was built on one floor.
Sustainability was also an important factor during construction. The project was completed using regionally sourced and recycled materials, and the lighting design has supported a 41% lighting power density reduction over baseline. Photo sensors and occupancy sensors were integrated into every fixture for maximum flexibility. A zoned mechanical system was also incorporated into the design, allowing BNY Mellon personnel to control the HVAC system as well as monitor all of the critical systems at all times.
The company also centralized printers to reduce the power and resources needed throughout the office. Printers are activated only when they are in use. A “binless” approach was also implemented for trash collection that includes recycling. The project is on track to receive a LEED Gold rating and has the potential to earn a Platinum designation.
“This project is a great example of how a consistent team of consultants ensured and enhanced the level of success for a project built in New York City,” says Barbaro.
