Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Administration and Service Building Renovation

Client: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels
Our Role: Architecture, Structural, Electrical, Civil

When Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bridges and Tunnels (MTA B&T) needed additional office space to support its administrative staff, it turned to GFT for help transforming its 1930s era Brooklyn Battery Tunnel Service Building into a modern workspace. However, after architects began to work with MTA to program the available space, flooding from Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to the building, and the project was put on hold.

The storm impacted the redesign in several ways. To protect the building from future flooding, the floor plan was reorganized to relocate mission-critical technology and communications equipment from the basement to higher floors. Designers took full advantage of an underutilized 7,200-square-foot service garage with double-height ceilings and tall windows. They converted the ground floor into offices around a shared conference room and constructed a second floor mezzanine to add floor space for a multipurpose room and IT equipment.

GFT’s architects delivered a dynamic, efficient, and flexible office space, while maintaining the strengths and character of the original facility. The tall window openings were fitted with new energy efficient windows that maximize daylighting. The interior’s new corrugated metal panel wall finishes and exposed steel staircase pay homage to the original industrial use of the space. The existing concrete-encased steel trusses in the converted garage were painted a bright safety yellow to animate the office.

The design team replaced the garage doors from the original service vehicle entrance with a new office entry door that reflects the building’s Art Deco style, adding landscaping and benches to present a fresh and welcoming face to its Brooklyn neighborhood. GFT engineers prepared a flood mitigation plan for the facility and implemented measures to ensure the operational integrity of the building in the event of a future storm, including dry-flood proofing the building perimeter and installing secondary power and HVAC systems.

Key Features

Communications and IT equipment were relocated to the second floor to protect them from flooding.
Maintenance workspaces were moved from the basement to first floor areas with natural daylight.
A breakout room on the mezzanine level provides additional flexible workspace.
A new energy-efficient HVAC system creates a comfortable work environment.
A new office entrance enhances curb appeal and provides access to the surrounding neighborhood.

Outcomes

Makes complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences.
A former service garage was transformed into a modern and efficient office space.
Renovations protect the building and its critical infrastructure from future flooding events.
Interior spaces offer a sleek, industrial feel reflective of the building’s original use.
Employees enjoy open workspaces with ample natural daylight.
Exterior improvements preserve the building’s Art Deco style and create a welcoming entry.