Dan Eschenasy PE. F.SEI

Principal Forensic Engineer

A new version of the New York City Building Code becomes effective this 7^th November. Will it impact the recent years’ trend of increase in the number of cases related to Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law – §881  Access to adjoining property to make improvements or repairs (RPAPL 881)?  In older areas of New York City (NYC), the building density is such that any new construction or even some alterations cannot be executed without accessing the adjoining property for inspection and installation of protective devices. As a result, the negotiations and cases are generally based on the sections prescribing the protection of adjoining property of NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Safeguards during Construction or Demolition. Even though the 2022 Building Code edition has only a limited number of changes to these Chapter 33 sections, this engineer proposes that the changes in subchapter 3306 Demolition related to temporary weather protection and building assessment may provide increased opportunities to negotiate licenses to access adjoining properties. Separately, it is most probable that additional sources for negotiations may be found in the new 1817.3 Evaluation of adjacent buildings for suitable methods of support.

Work at Two Bryant Park, formerly known as 1100 Avenue of the Americas, is wrapping up after undergoing a complete transformation.  This 15-story office building located on Sixth Avenue between West 42^nd and 43^rd Streets, directly across from Bryant Park and adjacent to the Grace Building, offers exceptional views and amenities to its tenants. With floor-to-ceiling windows, this newly reflective façade is complimented by the structures and green space around it.  In addition to having views of Bryant Park, the building has convenient access to subways, Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

We are very happy and proud to announce that Jose Mendoza passed his exam to become an NFRC Certified Simulator!  Jose will receive a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) number as a Certified Simulator and he will be able to simulate/rate fenestration products. Jose’s name will also appear on the NFRC website as a certified simulator.

GMS joins NYCares in their yearly coat drive campaign. This well-known nonprofit collects new and slightly used coats from all over the city and then distributes them to social service agencies, public schools, transitional housing, and more.

Winter temperatures can be extremely low in NYC and at the same time, the number of people in need is on the rise, so we are extending a hand to those who are the most vulnerable – this is the season to give back.

Thank you to all the staff at GMS, as well as their families and friends who have helped us gather 18 coats! These coats will help children, young adults and adults stay warm this season.

#coatdrive #actsofwarmth #nycares

The team at GMS are so saddened to learn that Eugene G. Mui, GMS’s first employee, passed away on June 19, 2019. Eugene’s wisdom and patience helped shape the firm that we have become. He is fondly remembered and will be missed by all who knew him.

Eaton Hotels is pioneering an ‘interdisciplinary hotel experience’, providing innovative spaces and ‘provocative’ content, food and programming, in an effort to bring social change to the hospitality industry. GMS served as structural engineer for this new brand to establish their first property in the US at 1201 K Street NW in Washington, D.C.

This property is composed of a nine story tower constructed in 1962 with integrated below-grade parking garage and a five story building constructed in 1942. The design involved reinforcement of the upper levels and removal of an existing rooftop pool to accommodate additional suites at the upper level and a new rooftop bar. The building is also equipped with upgraded infrastructure and a new façade.

Originally a printing press in the 1940’s and then a bus station in the 1960’s, it was more recently a Sheraton Four Points hotel. In addition to the 209 hotel rooms, the 175,000 sf property also houses a radio station, a 50 person theater, a coffee shop, restaurant, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar, a co-working space and a wellness center.

On Sunday April 22, GMS will field a team of 14, along with family and friends, for the 6^th annual 9/11 Memorial & Museum 5k Run/Walk and Community Day in Battery Park City.  The event supports the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as a place to learn the history of 9/11 and honor this National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The fundamental principle that drives the need for speed in construction is economic. However, not all projects rely on speeds to maintain profitability. Those that do, achieve efficiencies through uniformity of design, systematized construction methods, and the engineer’s engagement during constructions.

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