The Importance of Sprinkler System Inspection & Maintenance

A recent fire in Bowie, Maryland, highlights the danger of modifications that block fire sprinklers. Reports claim that a dropped ceiling was built below the fire sprinklers, affecting their ability to perform. This fire is just one instance that shows the importance of sprinkler system inspection, testing, and maintenance.

Human modification is found in 95% of sprinkler challenges, leading to malfunctions and injuries. An effective way to prevent these challenges is to have a qualified fire sprinkler contractor come in to a home remodel to inspect. They key is to avoid features like dropped ceilings so that fire sprinklers can work in emergency situations.

Jason Webb, Director of Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance for the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) explains that “sprinkler systems in houses are essentially maintenance free, but when you make modifications that block the fire sprinklers, you have a recipe for disaster". 

Inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems ensure proper functionality it’s needed. Alan Margolin & Associates are IAS accredited experts in NYC construction and applicable building codes. With over 30 years of experience providing engineering services to the New York area, we have focused our craft entirely on Special Inspection engineering, making ourselves a leader in our field and preventing hazardous situations. Visit our website for more information.

First Look Inside Battery Park City’s New Super-Sized Condos

The new waterfront Battery Park City building is now ready for NYC residents! Just on the corner of Warren Street stands a luxurious redesign - holding only 169 condos.

With a drastically reduced apartment count, the residences are large. The building’s smallest apartment is still over 1,000 square feet and has two bedrooms. The biggest apartment size holds five bedrooms. From the smallest apartment to the largest one, you’re looking to spend about $2 million to $10 million.

The new designs are finished with hardwood flooring, an eat-in kitchen, lots of natural sunlight, and luxury bathrooms. Add in tall windows overlooking the beautiful Battery Park and you’ve got yourself an apartment worth investing in!

The building’s penthouses have yet to come to market, which will exceed asking prices of $10 million. They will offer private rooftop space with outdoor kitchens. Look for them later this Spring!

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AM & Associates is your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more.
Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

What If LaGuardia Airport Expanded Into the Bronx?

Last October, Governor Cuomo announced a competition to modernize four of New York's airports. Out of that contest came a plan to extend LaGuardia Airport from East Elmhurst to the Bronx - paving over Rikers Island and a large amount of surrounding waterways.

How exactly would this plan look? We’ve laid it out for you below:

Connection between major transportation networks - Including Amtrak, MetroNorth, NJ Transit, and Long Island Rail Road. The new layout would require travelers to enter the transportation hub in the Bronx and take an underground Air Tran to the new concourses, where Rikers Island stood.

Fewer delays and increased capacity - LaGuardia would expand its gate count from 76 to 165 and add longer runways, allowing the airport to run more efficiently in hazardous weather.

Safer Transportation - Longer runways would offer safer landings and less room for error. Not to mention, planes would require less time circling the air - decreasing noise pollution for the community.

Division of prison facilities - Under the plan, Rikers Island's prison facilities would get divided throughout the boroughs - possibly the most controversial outcome of the idea to expand. Passing the plan through the public review process may be difficult.

What do you think about this plan to expand LaGuardia Airport? Share your thoughts on our Facebook or Google+ page.

AM & Associates is your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more.

Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

Bronx Historic Building to be Demolished

Plans to replace the Bronx's 'Castle on the Concourse' are set in motion. After almost two decades, the historic building will be torn down in exchange for an affordable housing complex.

According to a new Crain's report the 30,000-square-foot, unkempt structure was “left to rot under the city's stewardship”. The de Blasio administration is now requesting a proposal to reconstruct what was once a unique addition to the city. The transformation is said to bring 120 apartments, improving overall public health for the Bronx.

What are your thoughts about this recent city project? Let us know on our Facebook or Google+ page.

The experts at Alan Margolin & Associates are here for a variety of services, including concrete inspection and structural safety. Visit our website for a complete list of services we provide.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.