590 Madison Avenue

Facade Repair and Roof Replacements

Designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes & Associates and completed in 1983, the skyscraper at 590 Madison Avenue is one of the most well-received office buildings providing privately-owned public space in the city. At 603 feet tall with 41 stories, the distinctive wedge-shaped glass and granite building occupies just 40 percent of its Upper East Side lot, with the remainder given over to a glass atrium housing a verdant open space. The former IBM Headquarters, now owned by Edward J. Minskoff Equities, Inc., is used primarily as office space, with retail shops at the ground level.

Pursuant to New York City Local Law 11 of 1998 (Facade Inspection Maintenance Program), Edward J. Minskoff Equities retained Hoffmann Architects + Engineers to design and administer facade repairs, as required by the Department of Buildings (DOB). Restoration work included repair of cracks and spalls at granite panels; removal and reconstruction, from within the building, of exterior concrete masonry to restore displaced panel connections; repair of aluminum louvers; and sealant application. Hoffmann submitted required paperwork to the DOB and secured approval for Local Law 11 / FISP compliance.

Subsequently, Edward J. Minskoff Equities requested that Hoffmann design and oversee water infiltration remediation at the atrium roof, which is composed of sloped and vertical sections of metal framing and glass. Hoffmann was also retained to develop design documents and administer construction for roof replacements at the third floor setback and helipad roofs, which had exceeded their useful lifespans.