1211 Avenue of the Americas in New York City Plaza Update
- Scoop O'Builder

- Apr 10, 2025
- 8 min read
Project Location: 1211 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Proposed Project Summary
The project involves design changes to the existing plaza at 1211 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. The modifications are detailed in various zoning and compliance tables, site plans, and design documents. Key aspects of the proposed design changes include:
Seating: Introduction of new seating types, including fixed benches with and without backs, movable tables, and chairs to increase compliance with seating regulations.
Lighting: Installation of new lighting fixtures to ensure the plaza meets the required illumination levels for safety and aesthetics.
Planting: Enhancement of the planting areas with new planting beds, trees, and an irrigation system to meet the zoning requirements for greenery.
Accessibility: Improvements to ensure ADA compliance throughout the plaza.
Obstructions and Circulation: Redesign to minimize obstructions and improve pedestrian circulation paths.
Amenities: Addition of litter receptacles, bicycle parking, and potentially other amenities as required by the zoning regulations.
The project aims to enhance the usability, aesthetic appeal, and compliance of the plaza with current zoning laws, thereby improving the overall public space experience for pedestrians and visitors.
Current location intelligence
Overview: 1211 Avenue of the Americas, also known as the News Corporation Building, is a prominent commercial office building located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This 51-story skyscraper, completed in 1973, stands as a significant architectural and business landmark within New York City's bustling business district.
Key Features:
Prime Location: Situated on Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), the building offers convenient access to major transportation hubs, including the Rockefeller Center subway station, and is within walking distance of numerous amenities, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Modern Amenities: The building boasts state-of-the-art facilities and amenities designed to meet the needs of modern businesses, including high-speed elevators, advanced security systems, and flexible office spaces.
Sustainability: Committed to environmental responsibility, 1211 Avenue of the Americas incorporates green building practices and energy-efficient systems, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly workplace.
Prestigious Tenants: The building is home to several high-profile tenants, including major media and financial firms, which underscores its status as a premier address for businesses seeking a prestigious and strategic location.

1211 Avenue of the Americas stands as a beacon of modernity and excellence in Midtown Manhattan. The ongoing enhancements to the plaza area demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the building's status as a top-tier commercial property. These improvements not only elevate the aesthetic and functional appeal of the public space but also reinforce the building's position as a desirable location for businesses seeking a prestigious and accessible address in New York City.
Contact intelligence
Project Location: 1211 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Proposed Project Summary
The project involves design changes to the existing plaza at 1211 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. The modifications are detailed in various zoning and compliance tables, site plans, and design documents. Key aspects of the proposed design changes include:
Seating: Introduction of new seating types, including fixed benches with and without backs, movable tables, and chairs to increase compliance with seating regulations.
Lighting: Installation of new lighting fixtures to ensure the plaza meets the required illumination levels for safety and aesthetics.
Planting: Enhancement of the planting areas with new planting beds, trees, and an irrigation system to meet the zoning requirements for greenery.
Accessibility: Improvements to ensure ADA compliance throughout the plaza.
Obstructions and Circulation: Redesign to minimize obstructions and improve pedestrian circulation paths.
Amenities: Addition of litter receptacles, bicycle parking, and potentially other amenities as required by the zoning regulations.
The project aims to enhance the usability, aesthetic appeal, and compliance of the plaza with current zoning laws, thereby improving the overall public space experience for pedestrians and visitors.
Current location intelligence
Overview: 1211 Avenue of the Americas, also known as the News Corporation Building, is a prominent commercial office building located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This 51-story skyscraper, completed in 1973, stands as a significant architectural and business landmark within New York City's bustling business district.
Key Features:
Prime Location: Situated on Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), the building offers convenient access to major transportation hubs, including the Rockefeller Center subway station, and is within walking distance of numerous amenities, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Modern Amenities: The building boasts state-of-the-art facilities and amenities designed to meet the needs of modern businesses, including high-speed elevators, advanced security systems, and flexible office spaces.
Sustainability: Committed to environmental responsibility, 1211 Avenue of the Americas incorporates green building practices and energy-efficient systems, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly workplace.
Prestigious Tenants: The building is home to several high-profile tenants, including major media and financial firms, which underscores its status as a premier address for businesses seeking a prestigious and strategic location.

1211 Avenue of the Americas stands as a beacon of modernity and excellence in Midtown Manhattan. The ongoing enhancements to the plaza area demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the building's status as a top-tier commercial property. These improvements not only elevate the aesthetic and functional appeal of the public space but also reinforce the building's position as a desirable location for businesses seeking a prestigious and accessible address in New York City.
Contact Intelligence
Architect

Title: Principal
Company: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC
Address: 11 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036
Office: 212.977.6500
Direct: +12129776500Ext. 123
Fax: 212.956.2526
Email: lsigal@kpf.com
Summary:
Lloyd Sigal, FAIA, is a Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates P.C. (KPF) in New York City, a position he has held since June 1988. With over 36 years at KPF, Lloyd has been instrumental in numerous high-profile architectural projects. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from Penn State University. Lloyd's extensive experience and leadership in architecture have made him a distinguished figure in the industry. He is actively engaged in professional communities, including the Urban Land Institute and Penn State Architecture, and has a strong network of over 500 connections.
Landscape Architecture Consultant

Name: Simon Beer
Title: Principal
Company: OJB Landscape Architecture
Address: One Bowdoin Square, Suite 801, Boston, MA 02114
Offiice: 857.343.8933
Mobile: (574)-275-1305
Email: sbeer@ojb.com
Summary: Simon Royce Beer is a Principal at OJB Landscape Architecture, located in Boston, Massachusetts, a role he has held since December 2013. With over 10 years of leadership at OJB, Simon has a rich background in landscape architecture, having previously worked as a Project Manager at Silverwood Landscape, and as a Landscape Architect at ARTECHO Architecture + Landscape Architecture and Hitchcock Design Group. He also served as a Landscape Designer at Paragon Landscape, Inc. Simon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. His expertise includes sustainable design, urban design, and site planning.
Owner

Name: Michael Caracciolo
Title: Head of US Asset Management
Company: Ivanhoé Cambridge
Address: 1001, rue du Square-Victoria, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 2B5
Office: 514.841.7600
Mobile: (646)-522-7268
Fax: 514.841.7762
Email: michael.caracciolo@ivanhoecambridge.com
Michael Caracciolo currently serves as the Head of US Asset Management and New York Office at Ivanhoé Cambridge, a position he has held since September 2023. With over 18 years at Tishman Speyer, he held several leadership roles, including Head of Asset Management/Finance at Studio by Tishman Speyer and Senior Director of Corporate Finance & Strategy. Michael also gained experience as a Project Manager at AXA and in Global Procurement e-Business at IBM. He holds an MBA from Fordham Gabelli School of Business and advanced degrees from Syracuse University and SUNY Geneseo. His expertise spans project management, financial analysis, real estate, and strategic planning.
Development Manager

Title: Vice President
Company: Hines
Address: 3 Bryant Park, Suite #2400B, New York, NY 10036
Office: 212.230.2300
Mobile: +1 203-856-8707
Email: frank.saphire@hines.com
Summary:
Frank Saphire is the Vice President of Property Management at Hines, based in New York City, a role he has held since 1995. Throughout his 29-year tenure at Hines, he has also served as Vice President of Asset Management, Project Manager, and Property Manager. Before joining Hines, Frank was the General Manager at Homart Development Co., where he oversaw the development and operations of Ten Bank Street in White Plains, New York. He also worked as a Project Manager at Encore Development Co., responsible for developing Austin Centre in Texas. Frank holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Development Manager

Name: Michael Mehl
Title: Director
Company: Lightbox Studios
Address: 80 Pine Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10005
Phone: 646.810.2601
Email: mmehl@lbxnyc.com
Summary:
Michael Mehl is the Director at LightBox Studios NYC, based in Brielle, New Jersey, a position he has held since January 1990. With over 34 years of experience at LightBox Studios, Michael has been a pivotal figure in the company's growth and success. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Design & Construction from Montclair State University, where he studied from 1984 to 1989. Michael's expertise includes engineering and lighting design, and he has built a professional network of over 300 connections.
Signage Consultant

Name: Michael Bierut
Title: Partner
Company: Pentagram
Address: 250 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003
Office: 212.683.7000
Mobile: +1 914-815-5013
Email: bierut@pentagram.com
Summary:
Michael Bierut is a Partner at Pentagram Design in New York, where he has been since 1990. With over 34 years at Pentagram, he has become a renowned figure in the design community. Michael previously held leadership roles as President Emeritus of AIGA and President of its New York Chapter. He also served as Vice President of Graphic Design at Vignelli Associates. Michael earned his BS in Design, specializing in Graphic Design, from the University of Cincinnati. His expertise spans graphic design, branding, and visual communication.
Structural Engineer

Name: Brian Falconer
Title: Principal
Company: Severud Associate
Address: One Bowdoin Square, Suite 801, Boston, MA 02114
Office: 212.986.3700
Direct: +1 212-986-3700 ext 428
Email: bfalconer@severud.com
Summary:
Brian Falconer is a Principal at Severud Associates in New York City, a role he has held since 1990. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Texas, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering. Brian is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states and has served in leadership roles such as chair of the SEAoNY SE Licensure committee and past president of SEAoNY. He holds an MS in Civil Engineering (Structural) from the University of Texas at Austin and a BS in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection Engineer

Name: Ryan Lean
Title: Associate Partner
Company: Jaros, Baum & Bolles Consulting Engineers, LLP
Address: 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005
Tel: 212.530.9300
Mobile: +1 646-234-2150
Email: leanr@jbb.com
Summary:
Ryan Lean is an Associate Partner at Jaros, Baum & Bolles (JB&B) in New York City, a role he has held since January 2017. He leads JB&B Field, integrating nine field-related services. Ryan has been with JB&B since 2004, progressing from Engineer to Director. He also served as President and Immediate Past President of the Building Commissioning Association. Before joining JB&B, he was a Project Engineer at Horizon Engineering Associates. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo. His expertise includes HVAC, commissioning, and energy efficiency.
Civil Engineer

Name: Michael Golias, PTitle: Principal / Vice President
Company: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
Address: 360 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001-2727
Office: 212.479.5400
Mobile: +1 908-307-0987
Fax: 212.479.5444
Email: mgolias@langan.com
Summary:
Michael Golias, PE, is a Principal and Vice President at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, based in Orange County, California. He has been with Langan since January 2011, initially serving as a Senior Project Manager before being promoted in April 2019. Michael leads Langan's West Coast industrial and e-commerce land development practice. He holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rowan University. His expertise includes civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, drainage, and land development.
CSI Divisions of Work
Division 01 - General Requirements
Project management and coordination
Division 02 - Existing Conditions
Site clearing
Demolition
Division 03 - Concrete
Structural concrete
Concrete finishing
Division 04 - Masonry
Stone veneer
Division 05 - Metals
Steel support frames
Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection
Waterproofing systems
Division 09 - Finishes
Interior and exterior finishes
Painting and coating
Division 11 - Equipment
Special construction equipment (e.g., lighting, signage)
Division 26 - Electrical
Electrical systems and installations
Lighting systems
Division 31 - Earthwork
Excavation
Backfilling
Division 32 - Exterior Improvements
Landscaping
Hardscaping (e.g., paving, seating walls)
Irrigation systems
Division 33 - Utilities
Drainage systems



link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link link