When the new team came on board, the foundation and steel framing were already in place, but critical structural elements—like the elevator shafts and stairwells—were neither square nor plumb. This required creative reengineering in collaboration with the structural engineer, including reframing interior walls and correcting concrete work, which delayed elevator installation by several weeks.

Photo by Matthew Niemann

Materials such as handmade Mexican tiles, solid European oak flooring and gold fixtures sourced from global vendors posed procurement difficulties. Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Poland restricted wood exports, halting delivery of specified white oak flooring. Project trade partners shifted to source equivalent material from stateside suppliers to preserve the design aesthetic.

Scope changes mid-project added more challenges, with each addition requiring material procurement and scheduling recalibration. The basement was transformed into a performance-grade speakeasy and a ground floor retail space became a French brasserie.

With constant design updates due to expanded programming and global supply chain disruptions, PlanGrid allowed for real-time issue tracking and cross-team synchronization, becoming instrumental in managing evolving scope and long-lead materials.

The Emigrant features bespoke systems from multiple manufacturers, such as the door hardware, which combined aesthetic brass components. It also utilizes RFID technology and mechanical systems from three different vendors. Integrating these disparate systems required precise planning, mock-ups and close collaboration to ensure seamless operation and design cohesion.