Newsletter #183    Acrobat file    Return to archive    Newsletter #185

350 BLEECKER STREET CO-OP NEWSLETTER #184
September 24, 2005

The board met on September 13, 2005. Among the topics discussed:

LOBBY RENOVATION

Sterling Management, the co-op's contractor, sent two representatives with proposed design plans for the lobby. Before giving the plans to the Design Committee, the board needed to investigate the costs and feasibility of certain options presented by Sterling. For example, it was agreed that the entrance should remain in the same spot.

The Design Committee will need to make decisions on the following items:

     1.   the size of the granite floor tile (i.e. 12" x 12", 23" x 12", or large slabs);
     2.   whether to drop a section of the ceiling to cover the lobby's air conditioner; and
     3.   the location of the doorman desk.

The color choices of the granite floor tile, which were limited by the Landmarks Commission, have been approved by the Design Committee.

The plans showing the lobby renovation will be posted in the lobby.

ELEVATOR RENOVATION

In order to address the various problems affecting the elevators, each elevator will be undergoing a major overhaul and refurbishment to address all aspects of the elevator system. The elevators have been in service for over 44 years, and the past practices of repairing various components of the elevators as and when needed has reached the point of little utility.

The board is currently working with Richmond Elevator to address the scope of this project and the cost. At this time, we anticipate that the cost will be approximately $60,000 per elevator. The project will essentially address the nagging problems the elevators have been experiencing recently and bring the elevators in line with the latest in elevator technology that is serviceable throughout the industry.

The work that will be involved will include, among other things, the installation of the following:

1. a new variable frequency drive and landing control system (which will ensure smooth acceleration and deceleration, leveling accuracy and consistent full speed operation);

2. a new on-board communication system in the event a passenger needs to reach assistance outside of the elevator cab;

3. a "fireman's emergency service feature", required by code, at the street floor lobby, permitting emergency personnel the ability to operate the elevators;

4. new car station buttons with digital position indicators, showing the position of the elevator and its direction of travel; and

5. new flush-mounted hall button stations (with digital position indicators), consisting of single "Up" or "Down" call buttons at each terminal landing (which buttons will be translucent and mounted in a metal box with metal cover plates).

In addition, as noted above, the interior of each elevator cab will be renovated. Plans for the beautification of the cars will be submitted to the Design Committee.

Details of the project can be found online at:
http://www.350bleecker.com/newsletters/html/184-elevator.html

We anticipate that this project will begin sometime in late October, and that the work with respect to each elevator will require that such elevator remain out of service for approximately 20 working days. We will, of course, provide you with advance notice of the exact dates of when this project will commence.

ROOF DECK RENOVATION

The roof deck has been deteriorating for some time, and needs to be replaced with more damage-resistant material. The board is planning a long term renovation of roof deck and furniture.

Newsletter #183    Acrobat file    Return to archive    Newsletter #185