Location
215 West 57th Street
Completion
2025
Client
Art Students League
Square Footage
45,000 SF
Architect
Walter B. Melvin Architects
The Art Students League of New York
Sciame is the Construction Manager responsible for the exterior restoration and MEP upgrades of the Art Students League in Manhattan’s Midtown West. This historic institution, founded in 1875, is run by artists and offers classes and workshops for aspiring artists to study and train with renowned instructors. The organization is located in an area known for its stunning architecture, and landmarks, and as the epicenter of American theater.
The restoration of this landmark structure will be conducted in two phases to ensure that long-term improvements are made throughout the five-story building. The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of the north and south ninety-foot facade, as well as the replacement and installation of the building’s roof, skylights, glass windows, doors, and masonry repairs throughout the educational institution.
Despite the extensive work required, the art school and gallery space will remain fully operational throughout all construction phases. Sciame is committed to coordinating with The Art Students League to ensure that all interior and exterior work is carried out with minimal disruption to daily operations.
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.
