A cloud-based surveillance platform designed by A.I. proptech firm OWAL for Hudsonview Terrace, 745 Tenth Avenue at 51st Street, has reduced security issues at the building by more than 75 percent since its launch in December 2017, according to building owner Empire State Management. The 38-story, circa 1970s multifamily was formerly in the Mitchell-Lama program. Recently renovated, it features 396 rental units, comprising studio- though three-bedroom apartments, and is currently fully occupied.
“When I arrived at the property in 2007, it was one-third vacant and we were dealing with many challenges, not the least of which were illegal sublets,” says Flora Buckley, Managing Agent, Empire State Management. “OWAL’s turnkey solution streamlined the operation of our building. It enabled us to raise quality of life standards for residents, while increasing the value of our building and our occupancy rates.”
The A.I. security program combines custom software able to detect unusual behaviors as seen from high-resolution cameras installed in stairwells, hallways, laundry room, gym, parking areas, elevators and outside the building. The platform records all incidents and tags video clips by the type of alert, time and location. Since implementation, it has identified such quality of life incidents as serial common area smokers and residents letting pets eliminate in hallways; enabling management to address and stop the building compliance breaches. It has also flagged more serious issues at the building, including a drug deal and overdose in a stairwell. Each time an anomalous act is repeated, management is alerted on a range of devices, such as monitors and smartphones, and sent easy-to-view footage for review. The program has also elevated staff morale and has been instrumental in identifying illegal sublets.
Adds OWAL CEO Chaim Fried, “Our software in combination with strategically placed common area cameras inherently created a safer environment for the residents. Another benefit of the platform is that it works in tandem with management and security, while removing human error.”
OWAL’s A.I. computer vision platform additionally addresses building blind spots by leveraging increased coverage with more accurate viewing software. It is estimated to have saved Empire State Management more than $300,000 in security guard services and costs associated with tenant notifications, processing investigations and legal fees.
Within a year of implementing the platform, Hudsonview Terrace has been able to increase occupancy to nearly 100 percent and improve the overall quality of life for residents. The building, which has been totally renovated, is today more reflective of the neighborhood with approximately 65 percent market-rate units and 35 percent affordable.
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