Location
New York, NY
Completion
2001
Client
The Jewish Theological Seminary of America
Square Footage
30,000 SF
Architect
Jack L. Gordon Architects, P.C.
Jewish Theological Seminary
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the renovation the 11-story Kripke Tower at the Jewish Theological Seminary, which had previously housed the library’s book stacks prior to being destroyed by a fire some years ago. The project was completed via a 3-phased construction schedule, which allowed the existing wings on each side of the tower to remain occupied throughout construction.
The main challenge was to integrate new building systems and equipment into a very tight space, for which no “as build” drawings existed. To provide for new elevators, Sciame opened the back of the building and excavated solid rock to incorporate a new extension for the elevator core. The structural requirements were unique, as the existing interior structure was a combination of steel catwalks and steel shelving. The structure was removed while leaving the existing brick exterior and perimeter steel intact. Sciame worked closely with the structural engineers, holding meetings two to three times a week in order to resolve issues as they came up.
The design of the new tower allowed connections to the existing wings and dramatically increased the use of space on each floor to house classrooms, seminar rooms, a computer laboratory, a faculty center and offices. Sciame also integrated a sophisticated telecommunications system and audio/visual package throughout the facility. A main entranceway was provided by using the existing vaulted breezeway which was covered with limestone.
By carefully managing the project, money was saved and used to build a new rooftop plaza.
What a night! A huge thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday to represent Team Sciame at the 2025 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge in Central Park!
Despite the weather, the Sciame team showed up strong, lacing up and powering through the 3½-mile course!
We’re proud of the determination, camaraderie, and good humor everyone brought to a soggy evening in the park.
#jpmcc
New York Construction’s Contractor of the Year – Looking back, 2006 was a standout year for Sciame Construction. We were honored as Contractor of the Year, a testament to our growing reputation for delivering some of New York City’s most architecturally daring and culturally significant projects.
In April 2006, Sciame Construction completed the Morgan Library and Museum Expansion, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop and BBB Architects. The project was led by then EVP/Division Head Joseph Mizzi, who began his career at Sciame 11 years earlier in 1995.
The following month, our founder, Frank Sciame, passed the torch of day-to-day leadership by promoting Joseph Mizzi to President of Sciame Construction, while continuing to serve as Chairman and CEO.
This leadership transition helped shape the next chapter of our story, and was memorialized in the cover photo of New York Construction, and the firm’s Contractor of the Year honor.
Thanks a Half-Billion! – At Sciame Construction, we proudly led the effort to reimagine the WTC Memorial and Museum, a project of national significance. Frank Sciame, our founder, was tasked with creating a design that honored the original vision while staying within a $500 million budget. Working closely with Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Pataki, and a team of 13 advisers, including notable figures like Jack Rudin and Robert Douglass, we developed cost-effective design options, ultimately reducing the budget from nearly $1 billion to $510 million. Our approach preserved key elements like the voids, waterfalls, and pools while optimizing infrastructure and resizing the museum. Sciame’s commitment to excellence ensured a memorial that balances beauty, dignity, and sustainability.
Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center – Though relatively small in size, the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center was a technically complex project successfully constructed and delivered by Sciame Construction. This groundbreaking laboratory made an outsized impact on global health. It was here that Dr. David Ho pioneered the development of the revolutionary “AIDS cocktail,” a combination therapy that transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition. His groundbreaking work earned him the title of TIME magazine’s Man of the Year, underscoring the center’s profound contribution to the fight against the AIDS epidemic.
