The Guide Dog Foundation is expanding its campus in Smithtown with the addition of a new 31,950-square-foot Puppy Development Center.  The facility will support the next generation of service dogs through purpose-built training, care and education spaces while incorporating sustainable systems, materials and operational practices.

The Guide Dog Foundation has provided guide dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired since World War II. In 2003, it launched America’s VetDogs to support veterans, active-duty military, and first responders with disabilities. Together, these organizations have placed nearly 950 assistance dogs.

New York City enacted Intro 1321-2025, the NYC Existing Building Code (EBC) on January 17, 2026 and this new code will go into effect on July 17, 2027. The EBC will govern the alteration and maintenance of existing buildings. It also amends the Administrative Code of the City of New York and repeals the 1968 Code. The EBC is modeled on the 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and provides a comprehensive and streamlined regulatory framework for alterations to existing buildings. The IEBC is widely adopted throughout the country, including in New York State.

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.

80 Clarkson Street forms a stunning new residential project in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood. Developed by Zeckendorf Development and Atlas Capital Group and designed by COOKFOX Architects with SLCE Architects as the Architect of Record, the project is a two-tower residential complex that sits along the Hudson River waterfront. The two towers stand at 45 and 37 stories respectively, totaling an area of about 767,000 GSF. About 434,000 GSF is reserved for residential condominiums and amenities including a spa, a pool, a sauna, a fitness studio, wine cellars, screening rooms, and a winter garden for tenants to lounge. 80 Clarkson’s impression on the skyline is felt through its uniquely articulated facade, which is made of prefabricated concrete panels clad with variegated Indiana limestone. The balconies and loggias feature hand-set limestone.

New York City is home to many of the most iconic buildings in the world. The familiar skyline is displayed on various postcards and photographs and is often referenced in pop culture each day. In addition to being known for its diverse cultures and high-end fashion, the Big Apple is home to many skyscrapers, including One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and of course, the Flatiron Building. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham and completed in 1902, the Flatiron Building sits at 175 Fifth Avenue in the heart of its namesake, the Flatiron District. The structure was one of the earliest skyscrapers in New York City history and quickly became one of its top tourist attractions, mainly due to its unique triangular shape. In 1966, the Flatiron Building was designated as a landmark in New York City and would become a National Historic Landmark in 1989. The Flatiron Building was originally developed as offices for the Fuller Company and remained as such until 2019 when Macmillan Publishers left the building.

Located at 36 Journal Square Plaza in Jersey City, New Jersey, The Journal is a two-tower residential and retail development that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the Journal Square neighborhood. The project is centered around newly designed public plazas that improve circulation, connectivity, and the overall pedestrian experience.

The Interplay between the Amended RPAPL 881 and
The NYC Building Code

On December 5, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed major amendments to the New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) § 881, which governs access to adjoining properties during construction. In contrast to its brief predecessor, the revised statute explicitly enumerates specific construction installations and cross-references construction codes and regulations. Consequently, understanding and properly applying the new law requires significant engineering insight. The following analysis examines the modified text to offer practical engineering clarifications to legal practitioners navigating these disputes.

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.

When people think of New York City, they think of the bright lights, the larger-than-life skyscrapers, the diverse cultures, the endless activities, and landmarks that attract millions of tourists worldwide each year. As a cultural epicenter, the Big Apple has plenty to offer. It is, of course, also home to many of the flagship locations of some of the most famous and recognizable brands in the world, namely on Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue has a longstanding history spanning as far back as the 19^th century, with iconic brands such as Gucci, Armani, Nike, Prada, Versace, and Louis Vuitton establishing their own retail stores along the well-known avenue. We are proud to say that GMS has extensive experience when it comes designing structures to support and help realize the visions of these unique shopping environments. Nationwide, we have been involved in retail projects from new, ground-up constructions to renovations. We work with a wide variety of materials to solve unique challenges that may arise. The GMS team are experts at analyzing complex geometries of architectural amenities, unique storefront systems, canopies, and stairs.