Location
22 East 91st Street
Completion
2024
Client
The Spence School
Square Footage
19,000 SF
Architect
Ennead Architects
The Spence School
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the renovation and upgrades of The Spence School, an esteemed all-girls K-12 institution located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The renovation focused on the Middle and Lower School building by optimizing the functionality of the first-floor office space to accommodate various departments, including development, communication, counseling, nursing, and security. The objective was to maximize space and centralize all maintenance support staff for enhanced efficiency. Critical upgrades such as cellar air conditioning, stormwater containment, and waterproofing measures were integral components of the renovation. Furthermore, modifications to the main kitchen and storage facilities, particularly in the bleachers and the townhouse restroom, were made to accommodate the school’s storage needs. Additional enhancements included replacing cabinets in the Lower School’s art room, enhancing security measures in the athletic center, and implementing waterproofing solutions for the athletic facilities.
All construction activities were carefully planned and executed within an occupied building, as The Spence School remained fully operational, including the continuation of their summer programs.
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.
