Location
150 West 83rd Street
Completion
2012
Client
Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Square Footage
43,000 SF
Architect
Gertler & Wente Architects LLP
LEED
Certified
Redeemer Presbyterian Church West Side Worship and Community Center
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the construction and renovation of Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s Worship and Community Center. Sciame was commissioned by Redeemer Church to convert a five story century old parking garage located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side into a seven story 43,000 SF Worship and Community Center. Sciame met the unique challenge of preserving the existing perimeter structure and upper floors while excavating for a new subcellar and carving out a three story sanctuary on the cellar, first and second floors. Working closely with the Architect and Design Engineers, Sciame developed a temporary shoring and bracing plan which allowed for an efficient sequence of demolition, foundations, and steel erection.
Redeemer required that their new building, the Church’s first permanent home, serve the practical needs of the church, yet blend aesthetically with the neighboring residential apartments and brownstone buildings. A two story storefront/curtainwall cut into the existing facade provides a welcoming presence to all who pass by. Upon entering the church, a dramatic two story
lobby leads into an even more dramatic three story sanctuary. Two floors of classrooms are located on the floors above the sanctuary, and a fellowship hall with terrace is on the top floor. The design also incorporates state-of-the-art energy saving devices, including HVAC enthalpy wheels.
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.
The New Victory Theater – Originally built in 1900 as The Republic, the first performing arts venue on 42nd Street, the theater was transformed into The New Victory in 1995, becoming New York’s first theater for children and families. The renovation uncovered and restored original architectural elements, added a new lobby carved from the existing structure and bedrock, rebuilt the historic staircase, and created space for much-needed restrooms. A rear wing was added for backstage access, dressing rooms, workshops, and a loading dock, while new elevators and rooftop HVAC systems were integrated to meet modern needs of the historic theater.
We’re turning 50! As we count down to Sciame’s 50th anniversary on June 13th, we’re celebrating the moments that shaped us. For the next 50 days, we’ll be sharing one standout project a day in our “Countdown to 50”.
Thank you to our amazing clients, team, and friends! We wouldn’t be here without you.
