flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

James Corner Field Operations, designers of the High Line, creates rooftop amenity spaces for three Dumbo office buildings

Office Buildings

James Corner Field Operations, designers of the High Line, creates rooftop amenity spaces for three Dumbo office buildings

The new spaces range from about 8,500 to 11,000 sf and were added to Two Trees Management’s anchor office buildings.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | July 19, 2017
Manhattan Bridge can be seen from James Corner Field Operations' 45 Main Street rooftop

Photo: Two Trees Management, Matthew Williams

Three Dumbo office buildings have been updated with new rooftop amenity spaces designed by James Corner Field Operations. 45 Main Street, 55 Washington Street, and 20 Jay Street represent three anchor office buildings in Dumbo for real estate development firm Two Trees Management.

The new rooftop spaces range from 8,500 to 11,000 sf and include outdoor conference rooms, picnic and dining areas, spaces for screenings and outdoor yoga, and plenty of space for plants. Flexible seating can accommodate those looking to work, collaborate, or relax.

 

45 Main Street rooftop's herringbone-paved carpet and the alcoves are interspersed with planters45 Main Street rooftop. Photo: Two Trees Management, Matthew Williams.

 

45 Main Street’s new 9,520-sf rooftop comprises a series of seven alcoves that line the edge of the roof, two herringbone-paved carpets with moveable furniture, a raised wooden deck that acts as a multi-purpose room, and views of the Manhattan Bridge. An abundance of planters, containing serviceberry, grey birch, flowering dogwoods, hydrangea, and witch hazel, separate the different spaces.

 

A conference table in front of an existing warehouse at the 20 Jay Street rooftop by James Corner Field Operations20 Jay Street rooftop. Photo: Two Trees Management, Matthew Williams.

 

The rooftop at 20 Jay Street is the smallest of the three at 8,175 sf. A V-shaped raised wooden deck functions as a multi-purpose room with the Manhattan skyline as the backdrop. A custom-designed screen provides a surface for watching movies and also frames the deck. Large outdoor conference and dining tables, flexible seating with moveable tables, and chairs and chaise lounges are also included.

 

The 55 Washington rooftop designed by James Corner Field Operations55 Washington rooftop. Photo: Two Trees Management, Matthew Williams.

 

The 55 Washington rooftop provides 11,135 sf of space and is organized by a raised wooden promenade lined with shade trees and furnished with custom benches. The Manhattan Bridge can be viewed from one side while the Brooklyn Bridge can be viewed from the other end. A wooden ramp surrounded by plants leads to the social promenade. An additional three ‘rooms’ step off the promenade: a lounge, an outdoor conference room, and a picnic and dining area.

“Our design goal was to provide unique, lively gathering areas within lush settings in the center of a thriving urban environment while optimizing expansive views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and the Manhattan skyline,” says Lisa Switkin, Senior Principal, James Corner Field Operations.

Each rooftop is finished and open for use.

Related Stories

Adaptive Reuse | Jul 12, 2024

Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, centerpiece of innovation hub, opens

The recently opened Michigan Central Station in Detroit is the centerpiece of a 30-acre technology and cultural hub that will include development of urban transportation solutions. The six-year adaptive reuse project of the 640,000 sf historic station, created by the same architect as New York’s Grand Central Station, is the latest sign of a reinvigorating Detroit.

Government Buildings | Jul 8, 2024

GSA adopts new accessibility guidelines for federal properties

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) adopted a new rule with new accessibility guidelines for federal buildings. The rule establishes that pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. 

Office Buildings | Jul 8, 2024

Office vacancy peak of 22% to 28% forecasted for 2026

The work from home trend will continue to put pressure on the office real estate market, with peak vacancy of between 22% and 28% in 2026, according to a forecast by Moody’s.

Office Buildings | Jul 1, 2024

Mastering office layouts: 5 primary models for maximum efficiency and productivity

When laying out an office, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to maximize the space, but it’s equally important to make sure the design allows employees to work efficiently.

Smart Buildings | Jul 1, 2024

GSA to invest $80 million on smart building technologies at federal properties

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will invest $80 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into smart building technologies within 560 federal buildings. GSA intends to enhance operations through granular controls, expand available reporting with more advanced metering sources, and optimize the operator experience.

Sustainability | Jul 1, 2024

Amazon, JPMorgan Chase among companies collaborating with ILFI to advance carbon verification

Four companies (Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, JLL, and Prologis) are working with the International Living Future Institute to support development of new versions of Zero Carbon Certification.

Multifamily Housing | Jun 14, 2024

AEC inspections are the key to financially viable office to residential adaptive reuse projects

About a year ago our industry was abuzz with an idea that seemed like a one-shot miracle cure for both the shockingly high rate of office vacancies and the worsening housing shortage. The seemingly simple idea of converting empty office buildings to multifamily residential seemed like an easy and elegant solution. However, in the intervening months we’ve seen only a handful of these conversions, despite near universal enthusiasm for the concept. 

Adaptive Reuse | Jun 13, 2024

4 ways to transform old buildings into modern assets

As cities grow, their office inventories remain largely stagnant. Yet despite changes to the market—including the impact of hybrid work—opportunities still exist. Enter: “Midlife Metamorphosis.”

Mass Timber | Jun 10, 2024

5 hidden benefits of mass timber design

Mass timber is a materials and design approach that holds immense potential to transform the future of the commercial building industry, as well as our environment. 

Office Buildings | Jun 6, 2024

HOK presents neurodiversity research and design guidelines at SXSW 2024

Workplace experts share insights on designing inclusive spaces that cater to diverse sensory processing needs.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Adaptive Reuse

Detroit’s Michigan Central Station, centerpiece of innovation hub, opens

The recently opened Michigan Central Station in Detroit is the centerpiece of a 30-acre technology and cultural hub that will include development of urban transportation solutions. The six-year adaptive reuse project of the 640,000 sf historic station, created by the same architect as New York’s Grand Central Station, is the latest sign of a reinvigorating Detroit.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021