Construction has begun for the lobby and entryway renovation at 1290 Ave. of the Americas, designed by Moed de Armas & Shannon.
The project, being undertaken on behalf of Vornado Realty Trust, is part of a major capital improvement initiative designed to enhance the existing prominence of the building while meeting the needs of today’s tenants.
“We are very happy to have been selected by Vornado for this important project and are delighted to see it move into construction,” said Dan Shannon, a principal with Moed de Armas & Shannon.
“This renovation will dramatically enhance the building’s street presence. We worked hard to give the building a lobby it deserves — a monumental entry sequence with timeless materials and sophisticated detailing.”
1290 Avenue of the Americas occupies the entire block between 51st and 52nd Street with an entrance along the eastern side of 6th Avenue. Current tenants include AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company; Bryan Cave LLP; Cushman & Wakefield; Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper & Scinto; Microsoft; Morrison & Foerster LLP; Warner Music Group; and Wenner Media.
The scope of the renovation encompasses the design and rehabilitation of nearly 15,000 s/f of lobby space as well as multiple entry plazas and arcades exceeding 5,000 s/f. Moed de Armas & Shannon expects the entire project to be completed in the spring of 2013.
Moed de Armas & Shannon has previously worked with Vornado on significant projects including the total redevelopment of 330 Madison Ave.; the plaza and the lobby at 1740 Broadway; as well as the plaza, public space and lobby of 888 Seventh Ave., Vornado’s corporate headquarters. Since 2002, MDEAS has more than doubled its work on lobbies, growing that portion of their business from 18% to 44%.
