Grand Central Terminal

No discussion of New York’s architecture is complete without Grand Central, one of the city’s foremost historic landmarks.

Tens of millions of people pass under its vaulted ceilings each year; it’s one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. In a relationship that started almost 20 years ago, we were the prime consultant for the master plan, design, and construction services for the terminal’s utilities upgrade and have stayed involved ever since.

After exhaustive field surveys of existing systems, we created new flow diagrams and drawings to map the terminal’s utility systems. A key aspect of our historic preservation effort involved using existing architectural features such as the hollow columns supporting the great ceiling to deliver air-conditioning with minimal visual impact on the landmarked interior.

The project included a new 3000-ton capacity chiller plant; upgraded HVAC system with various new exhaust systems for ventilation and smoke venting of both the train shed and the main concourse area: new air handlers to air condition both concourse levels of the Terminal; a new heating system; upgraded domestic water system; and a new fire protection system. The electrical upgrade included new feeders, transformers, emergency diesel generators for back up electric service; a new fire alarm system, and a new facility wide DDC automatic temperature control system.

The recent restoration of Grand Central Terminal included the renovation of 150,000 SF for retail stores and restaurants. We designed new HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems for the stores, restaurants, and cafeterias. The total construction cost for the project was $150M million.