Microsoft has unveiled its new flagship store on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue between 53rd and 54rth Streets, the high-end retail destination for both tourists and locals. This store is one of Microsoft’s 110+ outlets across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, but the New York store is its first two-story incarnation and, with 22,000 square feet, is the company’s largest in the world. Additional floors in the building have also been renovated for Microsoft’s back-of-house use. The store includes an “Answer Desk” for technical help, as well as a “Community Theater” for customers to learn about Microsoft products.

GMS provided structural engineering services for the building renovation and engineering design assist for a feature stair, new elevator and façade. The structural design included:

  • Removal and transfer of  5 main building columns;
  • 50 foot long built-up transfer girder at 6th floor façade (4½ tons);
  • Two built-up box columns (each totaling 10 tons) to support the 6th floor transfer girder and resist the horizontal reactions from the cable net façade;
  • 3 horizontal cables, each pre-stressed to 110 kips support the façade.  This is equivalent of supporting a fully-loaded airbus A-300 plane.

 

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Design Team

Architect: Gensler

Structural Engineer: Gilsanz Murray Steficek