WJE PROJECTS

Moynihan Station - Phase III

 
CLIENT
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
LOCATION
New York, NY

Fire Protection and Life Safety Consulting

Due to the historic designation of the project and the change of use of the building, care was required to ensure the proper application of the appropriate building code provisions. Since the project was designed and constructed in phases, it was critical that Phase III was integrated into the Phase I and Phase II aspects of the project in a manner that was consistent with the overall fire protection and life safety program for the project. Additionally, alternative design approaches needed to be analyzed and reviewed.


BACKGROUND

The historic James A. Farley Post Office in Midtown Manhattan was built directly across from Penn Station in 1912. It is well-known for the inscription: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Designated a New York City Landmark in 1966, the building has recently undergone renovation and code-compliance updating as part of a change of use resulting from a long-term lease to private developers. The below-grade portions include a new passenger terminal and concourse for Amtrak. Plans for the above-grade portions include space for retail, offices, and a potential laboratory.

SOLUTION

WJE was requested to support the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) as the permitting authority for this multi-jurisdictional project. In this role, WJE worked closely with local code officials to review the fire protection and life safety-related features of the proposed Phase III design for compliance with applicable building codes. WJE also evaluated the design against the overall fire protection and life safety program for the project.

During the review process, WJE’s efforts included review of the technical specifications, design drawings, and basis of design reports for multiple submissions of the Phase III design work. WJE participated in a critical review of proposed alternative design approaches prior to their submittal to New York Department of State officials as part of a formal variance submittal. In addition, WJE participated in multiple meetings with DASNY and the design team to clarify the design intent of various aspects of the project.

As Phase III moved into the construction phase, WJE performed construction site surveys to monitor the implementation of the various fire protection and life safety design features into the building.