Historic Restoration

National Park Service – Design-Build, Renovation and Interior Fit-Out of the Administration Building and Sewer Upgrade at Governor’s Island, NY

COASTAL embarked on a significant project to renovate and upgrade the Administration Building at Governor’s Island. This initiative aimed to transform an additional section of the building into a multifunctional space, serving both as office space and educational/meeting rooms. A key aspect of the project was to efficiently utilize the available space without compromising the building’s historical integrity. Innovative historic preservation techniques were employed to ensure that the new construction seamlessly integrated with the original structure. Features focused on were natural lighting, matching existing materials, and compatibility with the building’s mechanical systems.

The renovation work included the creation of three administration offices, a kitchenette, and a spacious area for meetings and educational purposes. This required extensive improvements to the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to accommodate the new spaces. The project involved detailed work such as framing, installation of sheetrock, doors, an acoustical ceiling, flooring, cabinetry, a viewing window, carpentry, plumbing, and roof repairs.

Sustainability was a cornerstone of the project, with the incorporation of low VOC paints and finishes, energy-efficient lighting, and enhanced heating/cooling systems. These measures not only improved the building’s environmental footprint, but also targeted climate control more effectively within the occupied spaces.

An additional challenge was the installation of a new sewer pipe, which involved replacing the existing sanitary sewer line with new ductile iron gravity piping. Challenges encountered involved navigating around multiple live utilities and archaeological remains, which required careful hand-excavation and adjustments to the pipe’s alignment.

This project stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving historical landmarks ensuring they remain functional and accessible for future generations.