New York City, particularly Manhattan, is one of the most densely packed areas in the United States. With millions of people squeezing themselves into only 23 square miles of land already occupied with structures and tenants dating from the 1800’s, there is a pressing need to use existing lot areas for multiple purposes.
Designers and builders today have become creative in combining multiple uses in a single structure, almost always building upward. The result is an ever-rising New York skyline full of these mixed-use buildings. The following contractors are proven experts in the field of mixed-use construction in the Big Apple, especially in Manhattan and adjacent areas.
Joy Construction Corporation
40 Fulton Street, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10038
Joy Construction is a full service general contracting and development firm formed in 1995. Specializing in multifamily and commercial projects throughout New York City, its portfolio consists of over 70 buildings and approximately 6,500 multifamily units, along with nearly 1 million square feet of commercial space. Joy Construction is particularly proud of its multifamily projects, which ranges from luxury complexes to affordable housing.. Meanwhile, partnerships with major financial institutions, including JPMorganChase, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, ensures Joy Construction’s consistent access to capital and unlimited potential for growth.
Joy Construction recently completed the mixed-use property at 74-84 3rd Avenue, consisting of 85 rental residential units and 10,000 square feet of commercial space. The apartment units range from studio type to one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences. Montreal-based Karl Fischer Architects designed the building. Amenities include a common outdoor space and a fitness room.
AvalonBay Communities
Suite 800 671 North Glebe Road Arlington, VA 22203
With a portfolio spread across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest,, AvalonBay Communities, an equity REIT, has a long track record of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing properties. Very often, AvalonBay acts as its own general contractor for its projects, giving the firm unprecedented control over the costs and quality of their properties.
A notable project completed by AvalonBay Communities is Avalon Chrystie Place; a mixed-use development located in Lower Manhattan. AvalonBay, as part of a joint venture partnership with NY State Common Retirement Fund, entered into a ground lease and constructed the retail and residential improvements. This 1.33-acre development currently houses 361 residential units and 84,173 gross square feet of retail space, 71,000 of which is leased to Whole Foods Market.
CNY Group
55 Water St, 51st Flr, New York, NY 10041
Kenneth and Steven Colao founded CNY Group in 2003. Specializing in construction services for new buildings, slender hi-rise structures, complex gut renovations, and interior programs, the firm currently serves diverse market sectors including hospitality, residential, commercial, office interiors, educational, healthcare, biotech, retail, and cultural. The principals’ varied experience as construction professionals leads them to gain a deep understanding of the visions and goals of clients and designers, and execute them with the utmost quality.
CNY Group recently completed a 24-story luxury residential condominium complex located in 110 University Place. In addition to126,725 gross square feet of residences, the complex has a 29,598 square-foot below-grade garage, and 19,487 square feet of retail space. One particular challenge to its construction was an adjacent and concurrent 7-story residential construction project, with whom the firm needed to coordinate construction schedules and work plans.
Time Square Construction and Development
355 Lexington Ave, 17th Flr, New York, NY 10017
Self-characterized by integrity, commitment, and collaboration, Time Square Construction & Development was established in 2006 and has since become a leading construction and development company in New York City. Specializing in residential, commercial and mixed-use properties, the builder-developer has demonstrated its ability to handle each project through all the stages of construction.
The mixed-use development project at 785 8th Avenue is the flagship project of Time Square Construction and Development. The 43-story superstructure was limited to a two thousand five hundred square foot lot, with only 25 feet of frontage. This structure was awarded the Roger H. Corbetta Award of Merit in 2009.
Mc Gowan Builders
160 East Union Ave, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
CEO Patrick Mc Gowan founded Mc Gowan Builders in 2001 after over 20 years experience in the NYC construction industry. With a team of over sixty professionals and lead by executives each with 35+ years of experience, Mc Gowan has become an industry leader characterized by their highly collaborative team-spirited culture. In addition to new construction and additions, the firm also specializes in conversions, renovations and interior construction across multiple sectors.
The complex at 305 West 16th Street contains 53 luxury units spread over 7 floors. The first floor houses a lobby and retail tenants including Bank of America and Duane Reade. The building combines a dramatic black steel exterior with a peaceful Zen-like interior.
Hunter Roberts Construction Group
55 Water St, 51st Flr, New York, NY 10041
Established in 2005, Hunter Roberts Construction Group has done a great deal of work for its relative youth in all 5 boroughs of New York, as well as across the states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Lead by President and CEO James McKenna, the firm was able to complete over 1000 projects valued at over $7.5 billion. The firm received the New York Contractor of the Year Award from Engineering News-Record, while Commercial Observer recognized it as one of the Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC
Most notable amongst its mixed-use projects is the 860,000-square-foot VIA 57 West at 625 West 57th Street. This 406-foot structure is home to 709 residential units and 180,000 square feet of commercial and retail spaces. The design, done by Bjarke Ingles Group, invokes a combination of the classic American high-rise with a European courtyard block.
New Line Structures
512 Seventh Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Founder Martin Loy, formerly Vice President at Tishman Construction, established building and contracting firm New Line Structures in 2008. Since then, the firm has grown quickly, completing projects with a total valuation of $924.8 million in 2016 alone. New Line Structures offer pre-construction, construction management, owner representation, general contracting and design/build services to a wide range of clientele. Commercial Observer has named New Line as one of the Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC.
New Line Structures’ building at 135 West 52nd Street is a mixed-use development in Midtown, in close proximity to Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park. The complex houses both residential units and commercial spaces. Another notable mixed-use project is “The Hub” at 333 Schermerhorn Street, in Brooklyn; an extensive build with 750 residential apartments and 32,000 square feet of retail.
Pizzarotti IBC
909 Third Avenue,15th floor, New York NY 10022
From an Italian family business founded in 1910, Pizzarotti IBC grew into a global construction firm with a particularly strong focus in the U.S. market. The firm has a portfolio spread over more than 20 countries; from the Philippines to Peru, and from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia. The company specializes in new construction, complex conversions, residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Engineering News-Record named Pizzarotti as one of the Top 250 International Contractors.
Pizzarotti’s most recent project and housing 245 residences and a five-story retail base, 45 Broad Street is set to be the highest condo in Downtown Manhattan and the 6th tallest building in New York City. Logistics became challenging during its construction, due to the position directly across from the New York Stock Exchange in an area controlled by the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau.
MacQuesten Development
512 Seventh Ave, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10018
CEO Rella Fogliano founded MacQuesten Development in 1988, which has since grown to become one of the building industry’s leading firms. Her first exposure to the construction industry began at the young age of six, when her father, prominent general contractor Sabino Fogliano, brought her to visit construction sites. Fogliano then took a part-time construction job at age 17, and upon graduation from Fordham University in 1983, joined the firm full-time. Five years later, Rella founded MacQuesten, which has since earned the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award.
One of MacQuesten Development’s notable projects, New Rochelle’s 45 Harrison, combines 528 residential units, 6,700 square feet of retail space at grade level, and 50,000 square feet of office space. MacQuesten serves as both the contractor and the developer of the property, which includes a clubhouse, a concierge, a lounge, a gym, and a “Green Technology” walk to Metro-North and Amtrak Train.
Structure Tone
330 West 34th St, New York, NY 10003
Known for its office interior buildout work in the city, Structure Tone has constructed spaces valuing over $1.8 billion, and with a total area of 2.17 million square feet. James Donaghy heads the firm as chairman, while Robert Mullen is its CEO. Together, they lead the company in working on some of the largest projects in New York City. Structure Tone belongs to a family of companies which include LF Driscoll, Structure Tone Southwest, Pavarini Construction Co., Pavarini McGovern, and Govan Brown. The firm employs 500 professionals in the New York area, all of whom are trained in a”client first” mentality. Structure Tone has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years, including the ACEC Platinum Award for Building/Technology Systems, and the Commercial Observer Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC
Structure Tone company, Pavarini McGovern, is building the new 62-story residential tower in Midtown Manhattan at 242 West 53rd Street. Designed by Cetra/Ruddy Architects, the development consists of approximately 576,000 square feet of luxury residential space with a two-level parking cellar, ground floor retail, gym, basketball court, and amenity spaces. Three Broadway theaters and active MTA subway tunnels running through the site presented challenges to the construction of the complex.
Turner Construction Company
375 Hudson St, 6th Flr, New York, NY 10014
Turner Construction Company was founded in NYC in 1902, currently holds a portfolio valuing over $9 billion. Turner is responsible for many landmark projects in New York City, including the United Nations Secretariat, Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center and Yankee Stadium. The firm is strongly dedicated to sustainability, boasting a staff that includes 300 LEED Accredited Professionals and a portfolio that includes two Platinum and nine Gold certified buildings. Turner was named one of the Top Green Buildings Contractors and Green Buildings Design Firms by Engineering News-Record, and as one of the Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC by the Commercial Observer.
One of Turner’s most recent projects, the 38-story tower at 300 Madison Ave features 25 floors of office space atop an eight-storey podium, for a total of 1.2 million square feet. The podium consists of three trading floors, one technology floor, two office floors and a two-story lobby that features a flagship retail boutique currently occupied by Sephora. Below grade are two and one-half floors of support space.
Gilbane Building Company
88 Pine Street, 27th Flr, New York, NY 10005
A long history, a familial atmosphere, and a vast portfolio characterize Gilbane Building Company. Founded in 1873 by brothers William and Thomas Gilbane of Providence, RI, this family-owned firm takes that aspect to a whole level, fostering a solidly familial, “fun and educational” environment for its young employees. This was recognized by Fortune Magazine in its first-ever “50 Best Workplaces for New College Grads” in 2017. Fifth-generation William Gilbane III currently leads the 350-employee New York office with a portfolio of 5.7 million square feet in New York City and 6.5 million square feet in total in New York State. Other honors the firm has received include the ABC National Excellence in Construction Awards, the ABC National Safety Excellence Award, and a listing in Commercial Observer’s Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC
Currently, under construction, 55 Hudson Yards is a mixed-use tower associated with the Hudson Yards redevelopment project. Clocking in a 1.3 million square feet, this tower uses concrete framing, a cost-effective method rarely seen in New York City. Its design by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates has gained LEED Gold Certification. Another notable Gilbane project is a residential conversion of One Wall Street, transforming the 50-story office tower into a condominium complex housing 524 residential units and 95,000 square feet of retail space.
Plaza Construction
1065 Avenue of the Americas 7th Floor New York, NY 10018
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in New York, Plaza Construction is one of the country’s most prominent general contractors. The core business secret Plaza boasts is their unique experience and understanding as an owner, developer, and builder of developments, which manifests itself into their portfolio mainly composed of prestigious commercial, corporate and residential projects. Across the nation, the firm oversees projects in nearly every conceivable market sector. Chief Executive Officer & President Richard Wood has led the firm since 1997, starting in the company as a Field Superintendent more than 30 years ago. Commercial Observer listed Plaza as one of the Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC, while Engineering News-Record has recognized Plaza as completing the Best Projects in New York.
The Random House Tower is a 52-story luxury apartment and commercial office tower that serves as the American headquarters of book publisher Penguin Random House. The building consists of 25 floors of commercial space topped by 23 floors of high-end condominium residences, along with 35,000 square feet of retail space and a 130-car parking garage. The resulting property has received several awards, most notably the 2002 Award of Merit for Best Mixed-Use Building of the Year from New York Construction.
Lendlease USA
200 Park Ave, 9th Flr, New York, NY 10166
Founded in 1979, the New York office of Australia-based Lendlease has managed more than 1,680 projects, among them some of NYC’s largest skyscrapers. The firm specializes in the construction, development, and investment of projects in such diverse sectors as mixed-use, commercial, institutional and infrastructure worldwide. The firm is well known as a builder of luxury residential high-rise condominiums, including the 82-story MoMA Tower at 53 West 53rd Street and a 60-story, 145-unit building at 56 Leonard Street. Lendlease was named by Commercial Observer as one of the Top 10 Construction Firms of the city.
Lendlease was responsible for Time Warner Center, the global headquarters of Time Warner Inc. In addition to offices and digital production and broadcast facilities, this 55-story building houses residences, a jazz concert hall, and a major upscale shopping center. The $1.7 billion structure stands tall at Columbus Circle as a testament to the global influence and reaches of Time Warner.
AECOM Tishman
100 Park Ave., 5th Flr, New York, NY 10017
As one of the oldest and most well-established builders in the Big Apple, AECOM Tishman has been responsible for some of the most iconic buildings in New York City. Established in 1898, the firm started humbly by founder and Polish immigrant Julius Tishman who, using his savings, purchased the tenement in which he was living. In 1928, after acquiring additional residential properties and gaining the ability to renovate, lease and finance them on his own, Tishman incorporated Tishman Realty & Construction as an integrated real estate and construction firm. In 2010, its construction arm, Tishman Construction Corporation, was sold to AECOM, forming the current firm. As of 2017, AECOM Tishman employs 1,200 professionals and has been responsible for 37 million square feet of projects in New York City. AECOM Tishman is the recipient of numerous awards, including the ENR New York Best Project Award, ENR New York #1 Top Contractor Award, ACEC Engineering Excellence Awards, and Commercial Observer’s Top 10 Construction Firms of NYC.
Some of NYC’s most iconic buildings were constructed by AECOM Tishman, but perhaps none more iconic than the towers at the World Trade Center. Tishman was responsible for both the original complex that was destroyed in the September 11th attacks of 2001 and the current complex, of which full completion is expected in 2022. The crowning jewel of the current development, One World Trade, was completed in 2013. It is designed and constructed with safety, security, and sustainability in mind, considering the demands for this new generation of buildings. It has won a number of awards, such as Engineering News-Record‘s 2015 Best of the Best Projects in the Office/Retail/Mixed-Use category.
