Location
56 East 93rd Street
Completion
2003
Client
The Spence School
Square Footage
35,000 SF
Architect
Platt Byard Dovell White
The Spence School
Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the The Spence School Project in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The project involved the excavating and shoring of an existing historic landmark building. Thirty feet of bedrock beneath the building had to be removed in order to construct a gymnasium.
The project also required the removal of ninety percent of the interiors. Additional work to the building included extensive restructuring and the construction of a fifth floor to match the existing structure. The Spence School is positioned in the middle of the Carnegie Hill residential area, which has a private school to the east, a bookstore and restaurant to the West. Rock removal was coordinated not to conflict with exam schedules and hammering was curtailed during lunch periods.
To assuage abutting neighbor concerns, an 80’ high rear brick property wall was shored and stabilized while two of the three brick wythes were removed and a new foundation was poured in sections below.
Project Awards
NY Construction News – Best of 2003
Institutional Award of Merit
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.
Sciame is honored to have served as the construction manager for the expansion and refurbishment of The Frick Collection, working alongside Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle to bring this vision to life. As the museum prepares to reopen next month, we’re pleased to see this project receive high praise in The New York Times from esteemed architecture critic Michael Kimmelman.
🔗 Click the link in our bio to read more.
📰: The New York Times
📸: by Lila Barth
Honoring 50 years of Sciame Construction and Frank’s recognition in City & State’s 50 Over 50 List. Thank you for your leadership and lasting impact on the city and the built environment!
