UrbanNY Project Portfolio
1-9 of 34 results
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Tribeca Bridge Painting CM Services
New York, NY
Battery Park City Authority (BPCA)
Read more: Construction Management Services for Tribeca Bridge PaintingThe Tribeca Bridge, which crosses the West Side Highway near Chambers Street, in Manhattan, was repainted — the first repainting since the bridge’s construction in 1992. The bridge connects directly to Stuyvesant High School, one of the most elite public high schools in the country. The $2.3 million project was completed ahead of schedule and within budget, without safety incidents, claims, or change orders.
Urban provided construction management services for the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA). We monitored the work of up to three contractors and supervised a field inspection subconsultant. Project challenges included painting in winter weather conditions; maintaining safe access for Stuyvesant High School students; and maintaining traffic over the 11-lane West Side Highway. To expedite the project despite winter conditions, the contractor contained and heated the entire bridge. Traffic control involved night time alternating single and double lane closures to install and remove the containment platform.
In addition to construction management, Urban provided bridge safety inspection services, after a hole was discovered in a bridge beam. Our bridge inspectors provided BPCA a report and recommendations to repair the hole. We also worked closely with the contractor to respond to student and teacher concerns about paint fumes, hiring an environmental firm to verify that the air quality inside the school was safe.
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Regents Family Center Building Envelope Rehabilitation
Manhattan, NY
NYC Department of Design and Construction
Read more: Regents Family Center Building Envelope RehabilitationThe Regents Family Center is a 100-year-old,18-story former hotel building located at 2720 Broadway. It is a multi-service center providing NYC Department of Homeless Services’ (NYCDHS) clients with intake, assessment, and shelter services for families in need.
Urban Engineers of New York (UrbanNY) serves as the Construction Manager (CM) for this $12 million project, which supports the NYC Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC) and this NYCDHS facility. As the CM for the NYCDDC, UrbanNY has oversight of the prime contractor performing the construction. UrbanNY communicates and coordinates with several stakeholders, including our direct client, NYCDDC; the project client, NYCDHS; the sponsor agency, which provides client services and building maintenance for NYCDHS; the prime contractor; the design professionals; and an independent third-party Special Inspections agency.
UrbanNY staff are located on site performing a variety of construction management services, including chairing and conducting bi-weekly progress meetings, weekly workshop meetings, and as-needed special issue meetings.
UrbanNY monitors and enforces the project site safety program, conducts quality assurance monitoring, reviews project schedules, and performs ongoing construction inspections to ensure work complies with specifications.
UrbanNY produces daily, bi-weekly, and monthly progress reports.
UrbanNY reviews, approves, and processes the contractor’s payment requisitions by initiating them in the online NYCDDC Anywhere Project Development Management System (PDMS). UrbanNY also reviews, negotiates, and processes the contractor’s change orders through initiation into the online PDMS.
UrbanNY reviews and coordinates contractor submittals with design professionals, including all contractor submittals such as shop drawings, specifications, RFIs, and sample material submissions. The team tracks all construction permits and ensures the submission of required contractor documents and credentials.
UrbanNY also performs specialized administrative tasks such as preparation of capital funds contingency estimates for additional SOW, issues field order directives, coordinates with the U.S. Postal Service and privately owned neighboring buildings in the management and use of license access agreements, develops special reports for NYCDDC use with community relations and NY press inquiries, and practices sensitivity and responsiveness to local community and elected representatives’ concerns.
The Regents Family Center Building Envelope Rehabilitation project scope of work includes:
- Facade Restoration: High-quality rehabilitation and replication of ornamental terra cotta, stone, and metal elements, including replacement of cracked terra cotta with architectural cast stone.
- Parapet Reconstruction: Complete rebuild of the ornate masonry parapet at the 16th-floor setback, including structural steel spandrel replacement and concrete slab repairs.
- Stucco Replacement: Removal of deteriorated stucco and application of new historically accurate stucco across the entire east façade.
- Copper Mansard Roof: Installation of a new copper roof over the 17th and 18th floors, including copper gutters and leaders, with 25 recessed and dormered windows on Broadway and 104th Street elevations.
- Roofing Systems: Replacement of three roofing systems—main roof, 16th-floor setback roof, and rear first-floor roof—with insulated, fluid-applied membranes, new roof drains, and safety railings at parapets.
- Masonry Repairs: Includes mortar removal and re-pointing, face-brick and masonry unit replacement, cast stone windowsill replacement, corner and control joint reconstruction, and partial concrete slab rebuilds.
- Lintel Refurbishment: Restoration of existing steel lintels and installation of new hung lintels with welded spandrels, flashing, reinforced veneer brick, and protective coatings on exposed steel.
- Sealant Replacement: New sealants at all window perimeters and lintel interfaces.
- Hazardous Material Abatement: Removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP).
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Redevelopment
Queens, NY
Port Authority of NY and NJ
Read more: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) RedevelopmentThe Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has undertaken the historic $19 billion transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) into a world-class airport. The public/private redevelopment program to build a new JFK includes two giant new terminals across five previous terminal sites, expansion and modernization of existing terminals, streamlined roadways, popular local retail and dining, and stunning New York artwork. Handling more than 62 million passengers a year, JFK is the nation’s busiest airport for international travel and is an indispensable part of global travel and the region’s economy.
The JFK Redevelopment Program will transform JFK into a modern 21st-century airport. The transformation will create a unified terminal layout, world-class facilities, centralized ground transportation options, expanded taxiways and gate capacity, and state-of-the-art security. Key program components for this design-bid-build and design-build via TAA include a new Terminal 1 and the redevelopment of Terminals 4, 6, and 8. The project also includes improved utility infrastructure, roadways, a parking garage, with an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting to the New Terminal One.
The PANYNJ selected UrbanNY to provide construction management, contract administration, inspections, project controls, document management, cost estimating, PACC and change order preparation, construction work in place verification, construction invoice approvals, staff budgeting, construction cash forecasts, construction and financial progress monitoring and reporting, BIM technology coordination and oversight, staging, and logistics.
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WTC Redevelopment Program Integrity Monitoring
Manhattan, NY
Port Authority of NY and NJ
Read more: WTC Redevelopment Program Integrity MonitoringThis $16 billion program for reconstructing the World Trade Center site included the construction of the 1,776-feet-tall One World Trade Center (One WTC), the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The program included the construction of all the new facilities on the entire site; our services focused on 1 WTC, the 9/11 National Memorial and Museum, and the Vehicle Security Center, along with other site improvements.
The Joint Venture Integrity monitoring team consisted of inspectors, accountants, and engineering professionals. UrbanNY’s role was overseeing the engineering elements of the entire assignment to provide verification that the PANYNJ was receiving the intended value for the constructed projects.
UrbanNY, as a team member of the Fortress Monitoring Group Joint Venture, provided program management, engineering, quality, and safety services that supported the goal of delivering a professional review to PANYNJ, verifying contractor performance and project compliance, and maintaining transparency and accountability across the program. The Joint Venture conducted reviews of procedures and processes to ensure the program was delivered as intended, with minimal impact on cost, schedule, and quality, while maintaining a high degree of safety and minimizing environmental risk. The work was performed in consultation with the PANYNJ design and construction contractors and integrated with the overall program implementation. UrbanNY interfaced with PANYNJ project management, consultant project management, contractor project management, superintendents, foremen, shop stewards, and trade workers. Continuous review of and dialogue with pertinent individuals to ascertain the status of contractual and regulatory requirements, documents, and permits. Conducted site visits to compare field conditions with contractual requirements. Observed and reported findings, gaps, and actions.
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MTA East Side Access
Manhattan, NY
Federal Transit Administration
Read more: MTA East Side AccessEast Side Access, one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects under construction in the United States, will link Long Island Railroad (LIRR) commuter service to Grand Central Terminal, in Manhattan. This Metropolitan Transportation Authority Capital Construction (MTACC) project work includes 8 miles of tunneling and construction of a new 8- track terminal and concourse below Grand Central Terminal. Urban provided PMOC services on the East Side Access Project under three consecutive 5-year task orders since 2003. We played a key role in securing the MTA receipt of a $6.5 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) for the project, the largest grant ever provided for a mass transit project.
Challenges: Construction of deep caverns and tunnels in hard rock for the new LIRR rail terminal beneath the existing Grand Central Terminal and new track system leading to the 63rd Street Tunnel; soft-ground tunneling beneath active Amtrak rail yard and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Line.
Lessons Learned: Coordination of railroad force account work with third-party construction work on active rail lines and yards requires an extraordinary level of communication and coordination by the Project Sponsor. Large, complex megaprojects demand a robust risk management approach to minimize significant cost and schedule impacts. Large multi-contract projects require the Project Sponsor’s team have sufficient management and technical capability and capacity to successfully handle all the administrative, technical, and coordination demands.
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Town Clocktower Stabilization and Sidewalk Repair
Hamburg, NY
Erie County Department of Public Works
Read more: Town Clocktower Stabilization and Sidewalk RepairThe Town of Hamburg retained UrbanNY to investigate the subsurface conditions adjacent to the Clock Tower, evaluate the damage from past storm events, and determine adequate remediation efforts to address the current situation and provide a design that can withstand the strong storm events that Lake Erie produces.
The clock tower and concrete walkways behind an existing concrete retaining wall along the east shore of Lake Erie were constructed for the public’s enjoyment. However, a portion of the property immediately adjacent to the site is not protected by a retaining wall, and recent storm events have caused erosion and significant undermining of the concrete walkway and surrounding asphalt parking lot.
Work included soil borings to determine the soil conditions and depth of bedrock and topographical and boundary surveys to determine the property lines and ownership of the adjacent parcels. A new steel “H” pile sea wall with concrete panels was designed to stabilize the shoreline and protect the existing clock tower from future storm damage. A new observation platform was also designed with amenities like park benches and lighted bollards. The adjacent parking lot was repaved and striped.
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South Cove Jetty and Pedestrian Bridge Project
Manhattan, NY
Battery Park City Authority (BPCA)
Read more: South Cove Jetty and Pedestrian Bridge ProjectThis project received the 2020 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies, New York.
Each morning in Battery Park, the South Cove Jetty welcomes a diverse mix of joggers, cyclists, families, and tourists. Designed in the late 1980s by artist Mary Miss, the jetty is a tranquil public space that blends art and nature, offering sweeping views of the Hudson River. Its design incorporates submerged wood pilings and remnants of historic piers, evoking the area’s maritime past and highlighting the hidden infrastructure beneath the water.
After more than 30 years, the timber structure required significant repairs. The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) tasked UrbanNY Engineers with restoring the jetty while preserving its artistic integrity. Their mission: to rehabilitate the pedestrian bridge and jetty without compromising the original vision.
UrbanNY’s assessment revealed extensive deterioration in the decking, bracing, and trellis posts, along with damage to the timber piles in the tidal zone. The team prioritized structural repairs that would maintain the aesthetic and historical elements of the jetty. This included reinforcing piles, replacing decayed timber, and restoring the deck.
To address the deterioration of the pile, UrbanNY developed a splice repair technique and applied a multilayer wrap system to protect the timber from further decay. The pedestrian walkway’s metal railing, initially slated for refurbishment, was found to have severe corrosion in its lower connections. UrbanNY redesigned these connections using corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term durability.
The project also presented several engineering challenges. The original construction documents were limited, necessitating adaptive design during construction. Unique timber techniques from the 1980s, such as split-ring connectors in the subfloor, demanded specialized training for the contractor’s crews. These connectors, which distribute shear forces along the wood grain, are rarely used today but were essential to preserving the bridge’s parabolic form.
The jetty’s location added complexity, with many structural elements submerged and only accessible through underwater inspection. Additional deterioration was discovered mid-project, prompting real-time design adjustments by UrbanNY and their diving consultants.
Despite these hurdles, the project was completed only slightly over budget and a few weeks behind schedule. BPCA opted not to hire a separate construction manager, relying instead on UrbanNY’s expertise in marine engineering and construction oversight. The firm provided comprehensive services, including inspections and on-the-fly engineering solutions, ensuring the project met BPCA’s high standards.
This rehabilitation serves as a model for preserving public art within aging infrastructure. It demonstrates how engineering can support cultural heritage while enhancing safety and longevity. The restored South Cove Jetty remains a beloved destination, now reinforced for future generations to enjoy.
By blending technical innovation with artistic sensitivity, UrbanNY’s work on the South Cove Jetty highlights the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in public space restoration, especially in challenging marine environments.
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I-190 Bridge Replacements over CSX and Lockport Road
Niagara Falls, NY
New York State Department of Transportation
Read more: I-190 Bridge Replacements over CSX and Lockport RoadThis project was part of an overall plan to improve the structural and operational characteristics of the Niagara Section of the I-190. Interstate 190 is a critical highway component for the transportation of goods to and from Canada via the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge as well as the Niagara Area – Toronto tourism industry. The project included completely removing and replacing four, 2-lane steel multi-span structures, utilizing the existing horizontal alignment. The proposed structures were shorter than the existing structures to reduce the number of bridge spans and piers. The new structures provided standard vertical and horizontal clearances and corrected the non-standard shoulder widths.
Work under this agreement included construction inspection (CI) services for bridge and highway-related work, including steel bearing pile installation, MSES wall construction, extensive embankment construction, and integral abutment construction. New Armorless Bridge Joint Systems (S900 – SFP, manufactured by Silspec) were installed on the CSXT bridges utilizing sleeper slabs. In addition, fiber optic ITS relocations were required to maintain operations for the US/Canadian border crossings during construction.
Highlights include:
- Railroad force account record keeping, bridge construction methods and procedures, earthwork inspection, and nuclear density testing
- Extensive coordination with CSX Railroad, NITTEC, Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge (Niagara Falls Bridge Commission), Canadian Customs & Border Protection, Niagara County, City of Niagara Falls, Town of Niagara, NYSDOT Regional ITS Coordinator, and NYSDOT Public Information Officer.
- Coordinate with NYSDEC to implement the SPDES general permit and the NYSDOT general standards and specifications for stormwater discharge and construction activities.
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Superstorm Sandy Damage Assessment
New York & New Jersey
Federal Transit Administration
Read more: Superstorm Sandy Damage AssessmentUrban delivered interim (30-day) and final (60-day) reports outlining project scopes of work from each agency and validating the estimated restoration, repair, and resiliency project costs incurred due to storm damage. Urban also prepared supplemental reports refining project information. In addition, detailed drafts of Forms 90-91 and 90-61 were prepared, including a photographic profile of damaged assets. This data helped form the basis for funding decisions made by FTA, FEMA, and other funding partners about transit assets that were damaged by the storm. Findings from the interim and final reports served as documentation for the Congressional appropriations to support the Superstorm Sandy Restoration, Repair, and Resiliency improvement program.
Urban provided value-added services in a number of ways. A fully-dedicated staff was quickly mobilized to support this project, including a full-time project manager. We worked seamlessly with the FTA to meet the hard deadlines to conduct the work, which were tied to the Congressional appropriations process. Being a locally based team, the Urban staff have a full understanding of all of the affected transit agencies in the region, including established relationships with transit agency staff. This intimate knowledge of each agency’s transit operations and infrastructure allowed us to expedite the work associated with this critical effort.
