Park Avenue takes home three industry 'Oscars'

Real Estate Weekly, March 9, 2005

"We've been calling ourselves the Oscars of the Industry for so long, we finally decided to do something about it," said BOMA/NY President Betsy Jacobs from a stage at the Copacabana adorned by life-sized Pinnacle statuettes, during "A Night to Remember," the Association's movie-themed Pinnacle Awards gala on February 10, 2005.

"And while we may not have the billion-person audience and scandalous attire of that 'other' trade association, Pinnacle nominees have to pass muster on 82 judging criteria--not just one outstanding performance!" It was Park Avenue buildings that brought home the most statuettes at the building and industry's leading competitive event, along with the New York City Department of Buildings, which received the special Henry J. Muller Award, given to groups whose vision for New York has made a measurable difference in the city's business environment.

The Pinnacles are the local greater New York area level of the TOBY Awards sponsored by BOMA International, which fields the rigorous Regional and International competitions. The 2004-2005 winners (see below) were judged on operating excellence in categories ranging from Historic, New Construction, Corporate Facility and Renovated Building, to three general categories ranking Operating buildings by size. Industry professionals were awarded Pinnacles in the Outstanding Local Member of the Year category, as well as Manager of the Year, which drew a record number of nominees, and even the attention of former President Bill Clinton, who recommended his building manager for the award.

Jacobs noted that the awards have grown even more critical in the last few years as "the spotlight is on us. The standards we set in New York set the standards for the world. These awards carry the BOMA/NY name to the public and confer a sense of pride, security and importance to the tenants of the winners. There is no greater testimony to our importance than having the confidence of the public we serve--New York's 3 million working men and women," she told the audience of more than 560 industry professionals.

And in a special farewell to one of BOMA/NY's leaders of the past 20 years, John T. Griffin, CPM, (who also won later as part of the team behind 300 Madison Avenue) was awarded a Life Membership and received the first of several standing ovations for the evening. Griffin, who had served BOMA/NY as President, been a previous recipient of the Outstanding Local Member Award and served as a role model for many throughout the industry.

The winners of the 2004-2005 Pinnacle Awards are ...

OUTSTANDING LOCAL MEMBER: Desmond J. Burke, President, Firequench, Inc.

A specialist in fire alarm and suppression systems for more than 25 years, Desmond J. Burke heads BOMA/NY's Emergency Action Plan Task Force and was instrumental in preparing the group's white paper on how the city's high-rises can best prepare for emergency events, and presenting it to the Fire Department of New York for possible incorporation into its own recommendations. He has advised the International Code Council as its NYC representative on local adoption of the International Building Code (IBC), and has lobbied effectively for key provisions to be incorporated into the Code's current draft.

HISTORICAL BUILDING: Lever House--390 Park Avenue

Lever House started a revolution 52 years ago that continues today. Hailed as America's first modern office building, its signature green steel and glass curtain-wall was a ground-breaking use of material, and its daring rectangular slab design defined a generation of architecture. This national landmark is two planes in opposition: a narrow, 20-story tower with the main facade set at 90 degrees to Park Avenue, which "floats" above a one-story horizontal base facing the Avenue. The base encircles an open air courtyard and sculpture garden, and the portion not supporting the tower is itself supported by free-standing columns, converting the entire Avenue blockfront into a plaza with seating and sculpture by the legendary Noguchi. Downlighting showcases works of art and completes the architect's vision--unique at the time--of integrating public art into a private structure.

Owner and Management Co: RFR Realty LLC; Building Manager: Thomas Martorana

CIVIC BETTERMENT: The Children's Aid Society

From adoption and foster care, to health services and education, The Children's Aid Society (CAS) is on the front lines of service to New York City's underserved children and families by providing cutting-edge programs in community centers, camps, public schools, family courts and the childrens' own homes. Every aspect of a child's life is addressed from infancy through adolescence. With more than 150 years of service, more than 40 sites in New York and an annual operating budget of over $72 million, CAS has grown to be one of the country's oldest and largest non-sectarian child and family welfare agencies.

NEW CONSTRUCTION: 300 Madison Avenue

Soaring 38 stories above Midtown Manhattan, 300 Madison Avenue exemplifies the classic modernism of corporate America. Clad in alternate bands of stone and glass, the 1.2 million-square-foot tower was built to the highest of standards as the US headquarters of the Canadian International Bank Corporation and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, including custom-designed security and life safety systems incorporating the latest post 9-11 technology and precautionary measures. Twenty-five stories of office space rise atop an 8-story base housing three trading floors, two office floors and a technology floor incorporating an auditorium designed for global electronic interface. Below ground, the cafeteria enjoys natural light introduced by an innovative "light well".