New York City Hall, completed in 1812, is one of the oldest government buildings in continuous use in the United States. Numerous renovations and modifications over the years compromised the historic integrity of the landmark building and affected the stability of the structure, necessitating an integrated rehabilitation approach.
New York City Hall
New York, NY

BBB completed the first comprehensive rehabilitation of New York City Hall in more than 50 years, incorporating 21st century systems and technology into an iconic early 19th century landmark.




The NYC Department of Design and Construction engaged BBB to develop the design needed to restore its significant interiors; repair chronic structural deficiencies; replace historic copper roofing; insert new mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems; and integrate improvements appropriate to the historic context.


The effort unifies a series of individual building projects into a comprehensive building upgrade program that includes life safety and sustainability upgrades such as PV solar arrays and a gas-generated fuel cell. The guiding objective was to integrate critical improvements in a very inconspicuous manner, preserving City Hall’s historic fabric and spaces with as light a touch as possible.





Project Credits
BBB Partner-in-Charge
Richard W. Southwick
BBB Team
Noerah F. Alvi
Mei Chu
Christopher T. Cowan
Joe Gall
Margaret Kittinger
Mei Chu
Christopher T. Cowan
Joe Gall
Margaret Kittinger
Structural
Silman
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing
Lakhani & Jordan Engineers, P.C.
Site/Civil/Geotechnical
Langan
Geotechnical
GB Geotechnics USA Inc.
Sustainability
YR&G
Lighting
SBLD Studio
Acoustics/Audio/Visual
Acoustic Distinctions
IT
IMAGINiT Technologies
Vertical Transportation
Jenkins and Huntington
Code/Life Safety
Rolf Jensen & Associates (RJA)
Conservator
Jablonski Building Conservation
Cost Estimator
Stuart-Lynn Company
Contractor
Hill International
Awards & Press
Contract Magazine
Interiors Awards, Historic Restoration
New York Landmarks Conservancy
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award
AIA New York State Design Awards
Award of Merit
Preservation League of New York
Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation
Engineering News-Record
Award of Merit: Renovation/Restoration
New York Landmarks Conservancy
Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award
BD+C Reconstruction Awards
Platinum Winner
Contract Magazine
Interiors Awards 2016: City Hall
New York Times
Renovating City Hall, From Floor to Ceiling