Slate Magazine

REDEVELOPMENT

Slate, a daily web magazine known for a strong editorial voice and witty take on current events, wanted their office to be convenient for staff, so they moved to Brooklyn. Slate’s goal was a space that inspired collaboration and creativity.
During the lease negotiation process, our team advised Slate on the technical aspects of their lease to ensure that the MEP services supplied by the building made sense. A complicating factor in this process was that the floor was being split into a multi-tenant floor, and they were subleasing from an existing tenant. By having us at the table with them during negotiations, we enabled them get the services they needed in the correct capacities, therefore avoiding additional costs and delays during the construction process.
We designed a new exposed, variable volume ductwork distribution HVAC system connected to the building condenser water cooled AC units. In order to make this work, our team designed additional controls and system modifications so Slate’s space could be supported by the base building system while leaving sufficient capacity and tie-in points for the future adjacent tenant on the floor.
For the IT room, we designed a separate 24×7 water cooled supplemental AC system, with backup fans monitored by both their standalone management system and the building BMS. Our electrical team designed lighting and power throughout the space, with a new sub-metered split of the existing electrical power to the floor. We completed a ComCheck energy analysis in order to comply with the NYC Energy Code and meet the requirements of the IECC, ASHRAE Standard 90.1, and local codes. We also designed ADA compliant fire alarm devices and a wet type sprinkler system.
Our Special Inspections team, acting as an agent of the New York City Department of Buildings, monitored the construction progress to verify that the space was fit-out per the approved design drawings. We signed off on the mechanical, sprinkler, fire-resistant penetrations/joints, and energy code compliance.
Our Commissioning team performed functional testing of the low voltage lighting sensors, switches, and controls and provided documentation to the code official certifying that the installed lighting controls meet the provisions of the New York City Building Code (Section C405).

Before we read the first word of the lease or opened CAD to lay out the space, we brainstormed with Slate about how they would define success on this project. What they said was that they wanted to have a nice space, but needed to meet their budget. We helped them achieve success by communicating effectively. Internally, our team regularly evaluated our design with respect to budget. And during construction, we brought any issues to Slate’s attention immediately, explaining their options and helping them to make smart decisions. Their employees are happy to be in a new space that is comfortable and inspiring (and convenient!). Their management team is happy that their financial goals were met.
Before we read the first word of the lease or opened CAD to lay out the space, we brainstormed with Slate about how they would define success on this project. What they said was that they wanted to have a nice space, but needed to meet their budget. We helped them achieve success by communicating effectively. Internally, our team regularly evaluated our design with respect to budget. And during construction, we brought any issues to Slate’s attention immediately, explaining their options and helping them to make smart decisions. Their employees are happy to be in a new space that is comfortable and inspiring (and convenient!). Their management team is happy that their financial goals were met.
Before we read the first word of the lease or opened CAD to lay out the space, we brainstormed with Slate about how they would define success on this project. What they said was that they wanted to have a nice space, but needed to meet their budget. We helped them achieve success by communicating effectively. Internally, our team regularly evaluated our design with respect to budget. And during construction, we brought any issues to Slate’s attention immediately, explaining their options and helping them to make smart decisions. Their employees are happy to be in a new space that is comfortable and inspiring (and convenient!). Their management team is happy that their financial goals were met.

Before we read the first word of the lease or opened CAD to lay out the space, we brainstormed with Slate about how they would define success on this project. What they said was that they wanted to have a nice space, but needed to meet their budget. We helped them achieve success by communicating effectively. Internally, our team regularly evaluated our design with respect to budget. And during construction, we brought any issues to Slate’s attention immediately, explaining their options and helping them to make smart decisions. Their employees are happy to be in a new space that is comfortable and inspiring (and convenient!). Their management team is happy that their financial goals were met.