Leeding Builders Group LLC

Architect:

COOKFOX Architects

Client:

Alchemy Properties & Daishin Securities

Scope Of Work

LBG's work on 378 West End Avenue commenced in October 2018 with pre-construction services and the procurement and oversight of the project's abatement and demolition, which is broken up into two phases. 

The first phase is a partial demolition of the existing Collegiate School building, located on the corner of 78th Street and West End Avenue. This includes abatement and selective demolition of the existing landmark structure down to its original core and shell in preparation for a new 4-story steel addition on the roof. The façade - which will remain on three sides - will undergo landmark restoration work. This includes restoring balconies on the north and west elevation and restoring the roof cornices, which were removed some time ago.

The second phase of demolition will consist of the complete demolition of the adjoining buildings located at 260 and 262 West 78th Street to make room for a new 18-story cast-in-place structure. The new structure will be joined to the existing structure, creating a single building when complete.

This new building will total 230,000 square feet and contain 68 luxury condominiums. The building's amenities include a lap pool, fitness center, game room, and bike and tenant storage rooms. The ground floor features a lobby, library, reading room, and meditation room. LBG's work also encompasses the fit-out of an off-site sales office.

A major challenge to this project is coordination with and protection of the adjacent historic church on West End Avenue, which is located immediately south of the project site. Constructed in 1892, the church sits directly on the project’s property line and has a steep clay tile hip roof. On the fourth floor set back roof is the church’s cooling tower, which will be removed as part of LBG's work during the construction phase. The new HVAC system for the project will provide future cooling services to the church.