685 Fifth Avenue is the mixed-use conversion of the former Gucci headquarters in New York, N.Y. It has undergone a complete transformation to become Mandarin Oriental’s first exclusively residential property on the East Coast.
Originally constructed in two stages, with the northern steel structure dating back to 1926 and the southern concrete expansion completed in 1999, the repositioning plan presented unique structural engineering challenges to adapt the building for residential use and to support a 10-story addition above the existing composite structure.
The Mandarin Oriental’s mixed vintages required significant modifications to meet residential needs. A re-massing that created multiple setbacks was required to comply with zoning and prevent the ‘canyon effect,’ and to maintain light and air around the building. Multiple top-of-house floors had to be reconfigured to accommodate temporary mechanical systems, a deep rooftop pool, and outriggers to support permanent mechanical systems at the bulkhead.
The undertaking added approximately 20,000 sf of residential space and transformed the office structure into 69 luxury condominium residences.
On the Building Team:
Developer: SHVO
Architect, AOR: Marin Architects
Interior Designer: MAWD
Structural Eng: DeSimone Consulting Engineering
MEP Eng: Lilker, now IMEG
Construction Manager: Rinaldi Group
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