How Tall Can Buildings Really Get?

There’s a constant race to build the tallest structure the world has yet to see. Today’s construction is highly successful and competitive, which makes us wonder: how big can buildings really get? 

The world famous Empire State Building stands 381 meters tall, but humans continue to exceed this height with more extravagant structures. Can you imagine a tower as tall as 1,000 meters high? In just four years, Saudi Arabia plans to create a building this tall, which goes beyond many others we’ve seen.

When does it stop? With such little capacity in cities like New York, it’s no wonder skyscrapers grow more and more over the years. Buildings made before the twentieth century were built on awkwardly shaped plots of land. Today, buildings are designed to be tall to prevent limited space without wasting space. Believe it or not, our limit is far beyond any current structures. A kilometer would be easy - a mile or more is also possible.

What it comes down to is whether or not we actually want a tower taller than the largest mountain in the world. Some architects worry that people will feel unsafe. What are your thoughts on the rise of New York skyscrapers? Let us know on Facebook!

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. 

Top 10 Buildings & Skyscrapers in NYC

New York City - home to some of the most incredible buildings in the world. The city’s lit up skyline is breathtaking with all its varying shapes and sizes. Among the most popular skyscrapers is the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. Here’s a few other highlights:

The Chrysler Building. Built in 1928, this 77-story work of art was named the world’s tallest building until the Empire State Building was created one year later. This masterpiece is so detail oriented from the outside and has an Art Deco ceiling mural. Unfortunately there’s no viewing gallery from the top, but regardless, this building located at 405 Lexington Ave is a not-to-miss!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is home to the greatest art collections worldwide, and the exterior is just as incredible. This 2 million square foot building features stone slab pyramids, arches, and columns. Not to mention the Grand Staircse, leading from the entrance up to a gallery of European paintings. The classic building still features an entrance from the 19th century, making it a unique sight to see.

Grand Central Terminal. The zodiac mural, the marble walls, and the amazing arches are what makes Grand Central so eye-catching! Check out the Guastavino tile archway and the secret train car and station under the Waldorf-Astoria hotel for historical architecture. Aside from the hustle and bustle of the terminal, it is a truly beautiful building in the heart of New York City.

The New York Public Library. Featuring classic stones, columns, and arches, this New York building an architectural masterpiece. This library is so antique and delicate that it’s been closed off the to public in recent weeks due to a chunk of plaster that cracked and fell from the ceiling in the Reading Room. But you don’t need to look at the inside to admire just how magnificent this building is.

For a full list of the best buildings and skyscrapers in NYC, click here.

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+.

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.

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!

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+.

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+.

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.