Pace University Tower, 15 Beekman Street

overview

The 27-story mixed-use building is comprised of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, a dining facility, a state-of-the-art library and learning center, common spaces and a residence hall. Through early coordination with the design team, we were able to design flexible and open academic spaces on the lower levels and efficient dormitory layouts above without the use of transfer slabs or beams. 

In addition to structural design services, we also provided building envelope services to design architect Ismael Leyva Architects. Through early coordination with all stake holders, we were able to select an off-the-shelf façade system that met performance requirements without the need for rigorous tests, reducing construction costs and streamlining the schedule.

highlights

• To maximize floor heights, the tower utilizes flat-plate concrete construction supported by concrete columns and concrete shear walls.
• The tower utilizes a concrete core located on one side of the tower, maximizing open floor plate square footage while an additional concrete core surrounding a stair is strategically positioned on another side to limit rotation of the tower under wind loading.
• The structure is situated on a challenging site surrounded by active MTA train lines and occupied buildings and is located on uncontrolled fill underlain by inorganic silt and sand. To reach bedrock the tower utilizes 18-inch-diameter caissons that extend 115 to 125 feet below the sidewalk elevation.