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Showing posts with label Alan Margolin and Associates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alan Margolin and Associates. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

7 of NYC's Oldest Homes That You Can Buy Today


Some of Manhattan’s most beautiful townhouses are also some of the oldest. With some of these structures dating back 400 years, you’d be surprised to find that they don’t look as “antique” as you would assume. Thanks to upkeep and modern renovation, these homes now have a sense of modernity while still keeping some of the original fixtures and charm. Throughout the years, these townhouses have been home to Hollywood celebrities, politicians, famous authors, and old-school socialites. If you have any interest in adding your name to the residents list, get excited, because you can now purchase some of the oldest New York City homes .

  • 2 Center Market Place: The oldest of the list, this four-bedroom townhouse was built in 1800 and was formerly the home of design duo Bob & Cortney Novogratz. With an asking price of $7.995 million, it offers features like overhead skylights and a recording studio.
  • 27 Vandam Street: Recently renovated by Matthew Baird Architects, this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home was originally built in 1823 and has an asking price of $15.95 million. Its impeccable details include six wood-burning fireplaces and a Japanese soaking tub/jacuzzi in the master bedroom’s private terrace.
  • 121 Washington Place: This 5,000-square-foot home was originally built in 1931 and is currently asking $16.8 million.This place has definitely seen its fair share of fame with its residents list including names like Mark Twain, Willia Cather, and Muhammad Ali.
  • 230 West 10th Street: Talk about a face lift. This $14.5 million carriage home built in 1834 shows no sign of its age. With its ultra-modern appearance, most of the original 19th century design is gone, leaving a 6,7000 square feet space with five bedrooms and rooftop terrace.
  • 440 West 22nd Street (Source: NY Curbed )
    70 Cranberry Street: This 1852 townhouse has its renovation focused more on restoring it original details. With a $5.95 million asking price, the home offers amenities like two black-marble fireplaces and ceiling-to-floor windows.
  • 440 West 22nd Street: Built around 1835, this 25-foot-wide house still has many of its original details such as a grand parlor and seven separate fireplaces. Asking for $8.8 million, the seven-bedroom, four-bathroom residence is currently set up as a three-family house with one duplex and two large apartments on the upper floors.
  • 131 Charles Street: This four-story Federal-style townhouse comes with a separate two-story carriage house for $12.5 million. The early 19th-century, four-bedroom home has many of its original details, as does the carriage house with its own beamed sealing and natural lighting.

The reason each of these homes are able to survive for centuries is proper maintenance and inspection. When it comes to renovations and building, AMAA is your source for all special inspection needs in NYC.


AMAA is a leader in providing engineering and architectural services in the New York City construction industry. For over thirty years, our team of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians, and top-tier administrators has provided our clients with a full range of New York City’s Special Inspection services. For more information, call 212-867-6720.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

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.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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+.

Monday, March 30, 2015

AM & Associates: Services We offer


What kind of construction plans do you have set for the spring? Big or small, safety and proper attention to detail should always be your top concerns! That's why special inspections are a vital component in the building experience.

Which services can Alan Margolin and Associates provide for you in the New York and Metropolitan area? Below is a complete list of special inspection services we offer:



Sprinkler Systems
Standpipe Systems
Energy Code Compliance
Mechanical Systems
Heating Systems
Fuel-Oil Storage and Fuel-Oil Piping Systems
Fire-Resistant Penetrations and Joints
Fire-Resistance Rated Construction
Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials
Structural Steel
Structural Stability – Existing Buildings
Concrete
Masonry
Wood
Soils
Deep Foundation Elements
Helical Piles
Wall Panels, Curtain Walls, and Veneers
Mastic and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Coatings
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
High-Pressure Fuel-Gas Piping (Welding)
Excavations - Sheeting, Shoring, and Bracing
Underpinning
Private On-Site Storm Water Drainage Disposal & Detention
Flood Zone Compliance
Luminous Egress Path Markings
Emergency and Standby Power Systems (Generators)
Post-Installed Anchors
Preliminary
Footing and Foundation
Structural Wood Frame
Public Assembly Emergency Lighting
Final Inspection
And more…

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.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

An Evolution of Special Inspection in Masonry Construction

AM & Associates, Masonry
Today, buildings need to be built with the potential for higher magnitude forces in mind, whether it be an earthquake or some other nature force. Therefore, even though an earthquake is not necessarily more likely, masonry must be designed more "robustly."

Quality assurance programs have thus too become more important due to this increased focus on reinforced masonry. Since inspection is one of the key components of QA, special inspection in masonry construction has become a critical activity. Special inspectors are instructed to assure masonry walls are built both properly and to code. 

The primary goal of masonry construction special inspection is to catch any mistakes while they are still fairly easy to correct. Public safety is also inevitably in the hands of the various procedures these special inspectors perform. 

Want to know more? Visit www.cement.org »

AM & Associates is a team of NYC special inspectors providing masonry and various other special inspection services to the entire metropolitan area. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information. 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Steps for Creating a Safer Construction Site

There are an endless number of considerations that go into a construction job and safety precautions are certainly one of them. While special inspections and engineering services ensure that all buildings are built properly and to code, individual workers and team members must be in on overall regulations in order to maximize safety. 

Keep your job site a safe and successful one by incorporating these few tips below:

Instill safety as a core value. From the top down, safety and it's importance should be understood by all. Executives should lead by example and provide all-level managers with the proper safety training needed. 

Hold everyone accountable. If individual employees are not held accountable for risking safety they are more likely to cut corners and cheat the system. Set safety goals early on and make sure they are addressed in routine reviews. 

Evaluate your subcontractors safety performance. What is the safety culture and safe day-to-day operations of the subcontractor you are looking to hire? It is a poor idea to hire a subcontractor that could put your current safety standards at risk. 

Develop a detailed fall management program. With falls being the number one cause of death and injury on construction sites, it is essential that an effective fall management program be developed. At just 6 feet or higher a reliable procedure should be known and put into place. 

Talk about safety regularly. Don't leave safety guidelines behind at the planning stage but always circulate safety reminders and crucial procedures regularly. Whether it be in the weekly meeting or at the start of the day, make sure the important aspects of your safety plan are remembered and respected by all. 

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.


Monday, February 23, 2015

What is an IAS Accreditation?

An IAS Accreditation by the International Accreditation Services proves that a company operates at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Therefore, you as a customer can fully trust in the IAS accredited business you hire to perform work properly and to code. 

Before an IAS accreditation is given, a company must prove its ability to perform quality special inspections under the observation of IAS' technical experts. There are also stringent quality management requirements that the Special Inspection Agency must live up to. 

AM & Associates, Special Inspection Agency

Interested in learning more about what it takes to be an IAS Accredited Special Inspection Firm? Check out the online Building Safety Journal »

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. Visit our website for more information. 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

NYC DOB Special Inspections Q&A

AM & Associates, Special Inspections

Alan Margolin & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including architectural, mechanical, fire protection, structural, and civil inspections. Do you have questions regarding special inspections? These questions explain the basics of the NYC DOB’s Special Inspections program.
When did Special Inspections replace Controlled Inspections?
With the 2008 NYC Building Code, Special Inspections took the place of Controlled Inspections for all construction jobs whose applications were submitted on or after July 1, 2008.
Are Progress Inspections the same as Special Inspections?
Progress Inspections, while similar to Special Inspections, are different.  They are performed during the overall progress of work, while Special Inspections are more specialized and occur at specific points during construction.  Both Progress and Special Inspections confirm compliance with the NYCBC and construction documents, along with any relevant reference standards.
What is required from the Owner during the pre-design phase?
The owner is ultimately responsible for hiring the Special Inspection Agency, so the owner should be aware of the necessity to provide special inspections and reserve the funds to cover all inspection requirements.

What is required from the Design Applicant of Record (Architect or Engineer) during the pre-design phase?
The design applicant is responsible for determining the required list of inspection items that will be included on the TR1 submitted to the NYC DOB.
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.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

New York's Landscape is Changing! Here's How

New York is a city of rich & vibrant history and you know more stories are set to be told in the year 2015. How will our favorite skyline be altered and tweaked in the upcoming year?

See below for a few major highlights:

Famous architects are taking action - bring oddly shaped structures and a few tall pieces of work to our city. 

Price growth will continue to be paired with a boom in luxurious condo buildings. 

Cultural renovations will meet completion. The Whitney Museum along the High Line will open on May 1st and the St. Patrick's Cathedral has set a goal to wrap up its restoration in time for Christmas! 

St. Patrick's Cathedral, AM & Associates

For more details on what you can expect throughout the upcoming months, visit ny.curbed.com »

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.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Questions All People Considering Renters' Insurance Should Ask

AM & Associates, Renters Insurance
Renter's insurance can make all the difference. If you choose the right one, that is. To start - the biggest mistake you could make is not purchasing any at all. Second, these important questions will help guide you toward a good decision. 

Ask what's covered. Policies will cover a bulk of your personal property but different belongings hold a different value for everyone. For items not on the list, consider purchasing additional coverage. 

Know what "perils" are covered. Similar to the above, policies tend to cover theft, fire, water damage and similar conditions. It's important to know what's not covered so you can take proper action to avoid them. 

Talk out all the details on liability. If someone gets hurt in your apartment, who pays for the injuries? This can be slightly different depending on the reason for the person's stay. Are they visiting? Do they work there full time? Are they subletting? It's important to understand every detail. 

Inquire about the company's age. An insurance company that has been in business for quite awhile is better informed on the area and is more committed to helping you protect yourself and your home. While it is not the most important aspect of your decision, it is definitely helpful to know. 

For a complete list of important questions to ask, click here »

Don't be overwhelmed! Building regulations and city codes are meant to protect you from unsafe living conditions as both a renter and an owner. As always, report unsafe conditions by calling 311. 

AM & Associates has been providing special inspection and engineering services to NY for over 30 years. Call us today at 212.867.6720 and connect with us on social media. 

Facebook - Twitter - Google+ - YouTube 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Request to Revive Old Coney Island Boardwalk

Plans are underway to convert a portion of the iconic wooden Coney Island Boardwalk to a less-expensive, sturdier concrete path. As with many prospective NYC construction changes, there is some resistance to the plan. 
Source: Own Work by Alcmaeonid

According to ny.curbed.com, "Critics of the measure, of which there are many, argue that the wooden portions of the 2.5-mile stretch actually held up much better during Hurricane Sandy than its concrete sections." While the Landmarks Preservation Commission is reviewing the request it could take up to a year to complete. 

What are you thoughts about this preservation battle? Let us know on our Facebook or Google+ page. 

Alan Margolin & Associates is made up of engineering and special inspection experts, offering services from concrete inspection to structural safety and stability inspections. Visit our website for a complete list of services we provide. 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

#TrendWatch | NYC Housing Market 2015

What's to come for Manhattan real estate in the new year? Experts have spoken! A few trends we can expect in the months to come include the following:

Price growth will slow in Manhattan and continue to accelerate in other boroughs. There's no doubt that million dollar condos have been popping up left and right. There will be, however, about a 50% decrease in the growth rate. Brooklyn and Queens, on the other hand, will continue to experience an influx in demand - pushing prices. 

Amenities are being put to work. In ground pools and fitness areas are included in rent but rarely get used. To switch things up, events and programs will be used to ensure these spaces are taken advantage of. It's a good way to keep residents for a longer period of time and support good value. 


Making room for roommates. Developers are not blind to the fact that young professionals are gravitating towards the city but without the funds to afford a one-bedroom apartment. To address this need, "micro-suite" models are being created to accommodate three tenants in smaller bedrooms. 

There's a great deal more where these trends came from. For more of what you can expect to see in 2015, visit DNAinfo »

AM & Associates has been providing special inspection engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. For updates on construction codes and NYC happenings, connect with us on social media! 

Facebook - Twitter - Google+ - YouTube 

Friday, January 9, 2015

New Year, New Project? Choose AM & Associates

We live in a city that never sleeps and neither does its construction! For your 2015 engineering projects and special inspection needs, consider our team at Alan Margolin and Associates. 

Our proactive approach to every project we complete ensures that your work will be completed in a timely manner while safeguarding against costly defects and code violations. 

Open communication has always been key to a project's success and will continue to be so in the upcoming year. Help your project stand out by connecting with us at AM & Associates. For a few more reasons you'll be glad you worked with us, see our YouTube video below: 




For updates on construction codes and NYC happenings in the new year, connect with us on social media! 

Facebook - Twitter - Google+ - YouTube 

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

NYC Housing Market Brings Demographic Changes

The NYC housing market is ever-changing and the demographic changes by neighborhood are certainly no different. Between 2000 and 2010 there has been a lot of movement within the boroughs - as certain demographics (categorized by race, age and income) have shrunk in some areas and grown in others.


According to the Citizens Housing & Panel Council, 5 major trends can be highlighted:

  1. In 2010, the largest population cluster (1 million residents) includes low-income families and singles, majority-Hispanic. 
  2. The black middle class declined by 18%, with an overall 5% decline of the city's overall black population.
  3. Majority-white upper-middle class areas have become whiter. 
  4. Traditionally diverse areas are becoming increasingly occupied by high-income white, mostly single, households. 
  5. Asian populations have expanded into areas preciously dominated by white populations. 
Learn more about these housing market changes here »

IAS accredited and experts in NYC construction and applicable building codes, AM & Associates is comprised of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians and more. Our clients own and manage over 100 million square feet of space in NYC, including high rise office buildings and other major complexes. 

Monday, December 22, 2014

Tips for Avoiding Illegally Converted Apartments

Choosing safe and legal living conditions in New York can be tough if you don't know the kind of requirements to look for. To ensure both the safety of yourself and your family, use these tips below for eyeing an illegally converted apartment:
  • Educate yourself on market prices. Rent that seems too low for the area in which the building resides could be illegal. 
  • Look for certain keywords in postings. "Basement," "attic" and "flex" are all red-flags for conditions that would not provide adequate exit options. "Utilities included" may also be a sign that the landlord does not want another name connected to the property for maximum occupancy reasons. 
  • If the address is not disclosed on the listing or mail can not be delivered directly, the landlord is likely afraid to expose the exact location due to illegal features involved. 
  • Never rent a room with very small windows or locked doors. Residents should have access to efficient light, escape options, and all available exits. 
As always, New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 if they become aware of unsafe construction conditions. 

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

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

Monday, December 15, 2014

An "Urban Bowl" Penn Station?

Plans for a new Penn Station are in the works but it does require some negotiating with the long standing Madison Square Garden. NYC architects and city planners hope to reveal a drastically improved Penn Station by 2023 which, in recent years, has been an extremely overcrowded transit hub. 



To make this dream a reality, "the Garden would need to relocate to the Morgan postal facility between 28th and 31st streets and Ninth and Tenth avenues." Solutions that do not require the removal of the Garden from its current location are also in the works but sources of funding still need to be discussed. 

For more on the potential transformation of Penn Station visit ny.curbed.com

Alan Margolin and Associates is your New York City special inspection agency. For a complete list of services we provide to support a bigger, brighter and safer metropolitan area, visit our website

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

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Homeowner and Tenant Tips for Winterizing



While we ensure your building is built properly and to code, there is also plenty you can do to help yourself and your safety - especially during these colder months. If you are an NYC homeowner or tenant, here are a few things you can do (or talk to your landlord about doing) in order to winterize your home:
  • Weatherproof doors and windows to prevent heat loss.
  • Check your attic for proper insulation or have better insulation installed.
  • Schedule your routine heating system maintenance. Clean and/or replace filters. 
  • Keep space heaters away from flammable items and never leave the house or apartment with one left on. 
  • Remove snow and rainwater form roofs and drains regularly to prevent the formation of leaks. 
  • Shut valves to outdoor water pipes and properly insulate all other pipes to prevent freezing and/or bursting. 
AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick and quality service to all of our clients. With over 30 years of experience or certified inspectors, architects and engineers help bring safe and unique construction to New York and the surrounding metropolitan area. 

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

Monday, November 24, 2014

Luxury Apartments Have NYC Construction Booming

Have you noticed the surge in luxury residential development? It certainly has NYC construction booming and Alan Margolin and Associates is keeping tabs.

According to the New York Building Congress, spend on construction in 2014 will total to be 17% more than the previous year – marking a post-recession rebound.

There is one concern, however. Little to no investment is being made in affordable units for moderate and low-income New Yorkers. For wealthy buyers, on the other hand, the New York housing market is about to get much bigger.

For more on this story, visit NY Daily News.

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.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Trinity Church Set to Expand

More residential buildings are on the rise and this time it is happening on the Trinity Church's 2 million dollar property. 

Along with a 444 seat public school and a 1 million-square-foot development at 4 Hudson Square, Trinity Real Estate (church's property arm) is now looking for a partner to undergo this 430-foot-tall, 300,000-square-foot residential building in Hudson Square. 


For more on these new developments in planning, click here

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

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