On the last day of April, GMS engineers participated in the Structural Engineers Association of New York Balsa Wood Truss Competition—hosted by the Young Members Group and the Sustainable Design Committee.

Across the built environment, sustainability is often discussed in terms of metrics and targets. While those frameworks are important, many of the most impactful decisions happen at a more practical level—through how we approach existing buildings.

One of the most effective ways to support more responsible development is by extending the useful life of structures. Adaptive reuse allows buildings to evolve alongside changing needs, minimizing demolition while maximizing the value already embedded in the built environment.

GMS provided structural engineering for the new three-story field house located west of the existing football field and overlooking the adjacent soccer and lacrosse field. The fieldhouse includes several strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and conserve water and energy and was built for $26M. The field house totals approximately 45,000 sf and opened in the Fall of 2025.

Two GMS projects were recognized by the ACEC New York 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards:

50 Ninth Avenue – A renovation and adaptive reuse of multiple landmarked townhouses in the Meatpacking District. This project not only respects the past but also shapes the future of adaptive reuse in New York City and beyond.

25 Water Street – An office-to-residential conversion in Lower Manhattan, one of the largest of its kind in the city. The success of the project is a testament to the bright future of the adaptive reuse of large office buildings nationwide.

At Gilsanz Murray Steficek, we believe that building stronger communities goes beyond the structures we design. This Giving Tuesday, we’re proud to support organizations that advance equity, resilience, and opportunity across a range of fields — from healthcare and education to the built environment.

GMS provides a comprehensive range of inspection services for structures and building envelopes, including special inspections, garage, façade, retaining wall, tunnel, pedestrian bridge assessments, and parapet testing. We have ICC certified special inspectors, NYC Qualified Parking Structure Inspectors (QPSI), Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI), Qualified Retaining Wall Inspectors (QRWI), qualified parapet inspectors, and nationally certified tunnel inspectors. Our qualified staff deliver clear evaluations, code compliance support, and repair design services to ensure safety and performance.

To learn more about GMS inspection services, email us at info@gmsllp.com or call (212) 254-0030.

GMS is excited to announce our latest staff promotions. Each of these individuals is a valuable member of the GMS team, and we wish them continued success in their careers.

The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations Structural Engineering Summit: Bright Ideas in the Big Apple is coming to New York City on October 14 – 17, 2025! The Summit is the annual conference for Structural Engineers from across the country and GMSers will present three panels.

The Arts & Powerhouse Building at 130 Bay Street in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District has officially commenced commercial leasing. Originally constructed in 1913 as the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Warehouse, the building has undergone a $30 million renovation that blends its industrial heritage with modern office and retail spaces.

Utility Thermal Energy Networks and Jobs Act: Chelsea & Rockefeller Center

As part of a New York State Public Service Commission initiative to decarbonize buildings across New York State, the Utility Thermal Energy Networks and Jobs Act was passed to accelerate the development of utility-scale, grid-interactive thermal energy networks (UTENs). These systems reduce greenhouse gases; they harness waste heat, geothermal energy, and advanced heat pump technology to provide efficient, low-emission heating and cooling across multiple buildings. Two of the most ambitious pilot projects under this act—the Chelsea and Rockefeller Center networks—are redefining how we think about sustainable energy in both residential and commercial contexts.