An initiative of former Chancellor Nancy Cantor, this project redeveloped a run-down, 145,000 SF, eight-story 1920’s warehouse into a dynamic and versatile space for The School of Visual and Performing Arts.
The transformation was completed over several years in three phases so that the building could open and maintain operations while the team finished the final phase of work. VIP provided architecture and construction management services through all phases. VIP’s architecture team served as the Architect of Record for Phases 1 and 2 with Design Architects Gluckman Tang and Fiedler Marciano, respectively, and Design Architect for Phase 3.

Phase 1 included the complete gut renovation and adding new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, as well as two new elevators and a wall of windows to the exterior facade that extended four stories high to temporarily house the School of Architecture.

Phase 2 focused on converting the warehouse into the School of Visual and Performing Arts with a 25-seat multi-purpose lecture hall, community, and student gallery spaces, an arts incubator, design studios, ‘smart’ classrooms, library storage, and administrative offices. The design respected and emphasized the existing structural system, allowing for large, open, and flexible studio floor plans. Phase 3 included extensive roof and façade repair and replacement at the penthouse, mechanical room, and areas extending to the 7th floor and continuing downward to ground level. Work also included removing and replacing the perimeter masonry parapet. Additional renovations after the three-phase transformation included second-floor classroom conversion, common area renovations, and maintenance repairs.