120 Broadway Restoration and Modernization

New York, USA

Photo © Paul Rivera

arkkitehdit: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects

Location: 120 Broadway, 10271 New York, USA
Year: 2019
Client: Silverstein Properties
Team: Carlos J. Cardoso (Partner/Director of Construction Administration/Partner-in-Charge), Margaret Kittinger (Partner), Frank J. Prial Jr. (Principal), Kimberly Cornell (Senior Associate), Bob Stern (Senior Associate/Director of Graphic Design), Lars Moestue (Senior Associate/Environmental Graphics), Amber Pesklevis (Architectural Designer)
Landscape Architecture: M. Paul Friedberg and Partners
Structural Engineer: DeSimone Consulting Engineers
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing: MGE Engineering D.P.C.
Engineering: Walter T. Gorman, P.E., P.C.
Lighting: Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design
Code/Life Safety: Archetype Consultants
Code/Life Safety: Homes Keogh Associates (HKA)
Security: MGE Unified Techologies Corp
Construction Manager: JRM Construction Management

BBB redesigned the iconic building’s grand lobby and concourse, restoring historic finishes and features while simultaneously incorporating the needs and amenities of a contemporary first-class office building.

Completed in 1915, 120 Broadway (known as the “Equitable Building”) is a 40-story building in Lower Manhattan that spans an entire city block and was the largest office building in the world at the time of its opening. As part of Silverstein Properties, Inc.’s capital improvement program, the revitalization re-activates the building’s soaring full-block lobby, enabling pedestrian access and connectivity between Broadway and Nassau Street. Retail is enhanced with expanded glass storefronts and lobby entrances, bringing the architecturally-significant space back into the public realm as originally intended.

At the building’s historic entries, BBB replaced the non-original dark Indian Green marble that had infilled the 34-foot archways with a glass and ornamental bronze grill transom, adapted from the building’s original drawings, allowing natural light into the lobby. Additional upgrades include a new lighting system with hanging bronze chandelier fixtures, granite accent wall, reception desk, elevators, and signage.

The restoration of 120 Broadway also introduces a new tenant-exclusive rooftop space with panoramic city views. The rooftop retreat includes a 20,000 SF outdoor terrace designed by landscape architect MPFP with lush evergreens and all-weather seating as well as a 8,000 SF indoor lounge. Food and beverage service and programming create new opportunities for tenants to socialize and connect.