Bryant Park Hotel - 40 W. 40th Street, Manhattan

Developer / Hotelier:
Philip Pilevsky ; Philips Hotel Group

Architect / Designer:
David Chipperfield

The recently opened Bryant Park Hotel, at 40 W. 40th Street in Manhattan, showcases the design of British architect David Chipperfield, and was an exercise in New York City regulatory and agency approvals.

The building was converted from office space into one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. The interior features a wealth of high-end fixtures and components, many designed exclusively for the building. The distinctive red lobby with custom furniture, mirrored italian tiles used for ceiling finishes in lobby, and the unique custom check-in desk all showcase the unique Chipperfield style.

Wall coverings and floorings throughout the building also enhance the style, truly making the hotel a wonder both inside and out.

The complete interior and exterior renovation and conversion was monitored at all phases by P. Wolfe Consultants, who ensured the unique project was completed with all Building Code and NYC Agency approvals.

The American Radiator Building, as it was called when designed by Architect Raymond M. Hood in 1924, also is designated as a NYC Landmark Building of type "Individual". As a result of this, any construction or renovation requires a special Landmarks Commission permit. P. Wolfe Consultants, with local knowledge and expertise, played a vital role navigating the owner, architect and GC through the entire process.

Highlights:

Movie Theater: P. Wolfe established egress routes and maximum egress distances as required for a 70-seat screening room with video conferencing capabilities.

Restaurant: For Chef Rick Laakkonen's 3 Star Restaurant "ILO", P. Wolfe coordinated all permits and inspections.

Emergency Generator: Early in the project, P. Wolfe determined the need for an emergency generator. Space was allocated, system cost was built into the budget, surprises were avoided, and money was saved.

Zoning: P. Wolfe created a detailed Zoning Report/Analysis with various zoning calculations as required to achieve any zoning approvals for the project.

Construction Issues: P. Wolfe coordinated with the Department of Transportation to ensure all sidewalk closings as needed by construction crews were approved on-time. For the Bryant Park Hotel, the sidewalk closings were planned during the cities "Seasonal Construction Embargo", but P. Wolfe was there to coordinate with the DOT, and all went well.

Additionally, P. Wolfe guided the complete inspection process, and was present at all onsite inspections by DOB. P. Wolfe was primary coordinator with all contractors, and managed the issuance of all work permits for the project.

Other P. Wolfe areas of involvement:

• Fire Alarm Applications, Approval & Signoff
• Sprinkler Applications, Approval & Signoff
• Certificate of Occupancy

Opened
February 14th, 2001

Guest Rooms
129 rooms including 20 suites, 2 penthouses with 11 terraces
overlooking Bryant Park

Ongoing Support: City Agencies love to pop in for visits, especially in hotels, to review the building for compliance with current regulations. P. Wolfe helps when they call.

For the Bryant Park Hotel, P. Wolfe will be on-site for any future agency walk-through's, to discuss and handle any problems that might arise.