New York Blood Center

New York Blood Center

New York City’s largest not-for-profit organization, The New York Blood Center hired Plaza as their construction manager for the conversion of a former warehouse into a 75,000 square foot. blood production and research facility. The facility also houses administrative, conferencing, warehousing and distribution functions.  The design is centered around a day-lit gallery enabling collaboration between various departments 
The brick façade was upgraded with a combination of metal panels and window wall.  The interior is a visually stunning galleria with 25’ high ceilings, skylights, and custom column covers that create a very unique space.  This project included foundation and structure upgrades as well as challenging mechanical and architectural details.  In addition to the upgrade of the physical infrastructure, Plaza also upgraded the utility infrastructure for gas, sewer and electric. 
To accommodate the blood storage requirements of the new facility, multiple walk-in boxes and freezers capable of storing blood at temperatures ranging from -30 to +4 ºC where installed. 
This project won the 2008 Building of America Award from Real Estate and Construction Review and the 2008 Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Award.