Silverstein Properties announced an extensive capital improvement plan for 120 Broadway, the iconic Downtown tower known as the “Equitable Building.” The result will celebrate the building’s rich history and restore its distinct architecture.
Regarded as Downtown Manhattan’s first emblem of power and stature, 120 Broadway is a New York icon known for its grand lobby, soaring ceilings, and elegant entrance. The redesign by building tenant Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners (BBB) will reinvigorate these features, returning them to their original 1915 design. The $50 million capital improvement program is set to commence in early-2018.
“120 Broadway is unique and irreplaceable,” said Larry A. Silverstein, Chairman of Silverstein Properties, Inc. “Our plan is to restore and refine the building’s unique architectural features, and also update the property and its services for tenants. We want to create a 21stcentury workplace with a distinct Downtown New York character.”
A centerpiece of the capital improvement program will be the restoration of the building’s entrance. The dark indian green marble that currently fills the 34-foot arch above the doorway will be replaced by a bronze grille over glass, a signature element of the entrance’s original design that will flood the lobby with natural light. The revolving doors will also be redesigned with bronze finishes to enhance the entrance’s aesthetic.
“As fortunate tenants at 120 Broadway, we have the daily pleasure of admiring the building’s exquisite features and details,” said Carlos Cardoso, Partner at BBB. “The renovation will complement the existing historic lobby and enhance it with 21st-century amenities to create a modern and welcoming entry reflective of the building’s significance.”
Upgrades include a new lighting system with hanging bronze fixtures that will accentuate the lobby’s soaring ceilings, a granite accent wall, and a new reception desk featuring the building’s bronze grille pattern.
Silverstein Properties is also renovating the elevator lobbies to echo their original 1915 look and feel, when 120 Broadway was hailed as the world’s first office building with elevator passenger service. The building’s trademark bronze grille will replace gray metal plates, extending the building’s refined style into the elevator banks, and LED panels will be installed above each elevator door to further illuminate the area.
The capital improvement program will serve to improve and enhance the experience for tenants and guests from the moment they approach 120 Broadway. The lobby’s retail spaces will be activated and expanded, providing an array of options without having to leave the building. Tenants will also benefit from the creation of exclusive amenity spaces, including the reimagining of the building’s rooftop and the creation of a new bike room.
The stairway and concourses that provide in-building subway access will be refreshed and murals depicting historical images of 120 Broadway will be installed. The security system will be modernized for a streamlined entry to the offices above. Additional planned improvements include upgrading the exterior lighting system and installing new elevator cabs.
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