Property Improvement Awards

Last year, the FCBID created a program to recognize owners who are making important invest- ments in their buildings – investments that will not only improve the value of their individual build- ings, but that will also improve the value and image of the entire district.

Again this year, the BID solicited submissions for outstanding property improvements, and received four very different submissions that were determined to be worthy of recognition. At the Annual Meeting, the awards were presented by Paul Davis, of Salazar Davis Architects, a member of the FCBID architects committee and himself a district tenant. Awards were presented as follows:

Lobby at 336 West 37th Street.

336 West 37th Street, owner Philippe Ifrah of IGS Realty – Lobby Renovation
This property was a winner last year in the best façade improve- ment category. Its submission this year for its lobby renovation is evi- dence that this owner fully under- stands the importance of investing in and maintaining his property inside and out! This complete reno- vation was tastefully done and is of particular note because it illus- trates a skillful use of painted fin- ishes including Venetian plaster on the walls, marble in the lobby and vestibule, metallic paint on the doors and a gloss finish in hues of celestial blue on the ceiling. Paul Davis, Philippe Ifrah and Barbara Randall.

Lobby at 247 West 36th Street.

247 West 36th Street, owner Shrage Rokosz of Redi Management
Lobby Renovation - This lobby is a departure from the others because it is much smaller, yet the improvements here make no less of an impact. This entire lobby was demolished down to the bare brick before the owner installed Italian marble floors and walls, a new elevator, a custom stainless steel hall door, a glass and marble front, new lighting fixtures and updated communica- tions, security and HVAC systems. It was also noted that all design work including measurements and installation details were done by the owner himself.

Lobby at 1359 Broadway.

1359 Broadway, owner RichardHeller of Marlboro Associates and Wien & MalkinLobby Renovation
This striking new lobby was also a restoration job. While the former lobby was not in bad condition, it was badly in need of being updated. Wisely, this owner looked to the building’s history for inspira- tion. This extensive renovation fea- tures patterned polished marble and black granite walls and floor- ing, cove lighting, custom bronze chandeliers, a new arched entry with an exterior bronze canopy, and a vaulted coffered ceiling fully restored to the splendor of its original 1920s condition. Barbara Randall with Richard Heller.

Lobby at 520 Eighth Avenue.

520 Eighth Avenue, owner Eric Gural of Newmark Knight Frank – Lobby Renovation
This submission could have been given an award for most creative renovation. This project is notewor- thy for several reasons. First, it is on Eighth Avenue, a corridor that has been in bad need of invest- ment, so a project like this takes on even greater importance to the Fashion District. Second, this exten- sive lobby renovation includes a ceiling treatment that combines lighting and unusual materials that together become almost an art installation. You simply can’t walk by without stopping to look into this unique lobby, which has been fea- tured as a “do” in the FCBID’s prop- erty “dos and don’ts” brochure.

TOP