Beyer Blinder Belle overseeing $50M restoration of FiDi’s iconic Equitable Building

One of New York’s best-known office buildings will get a major restoration. According to Curbed, Equitable Building owner Silverstein Properties plans to spend $50 million to return the Financial District building to its former glory, restoring many design elements that were on display when it first opened in 1915. Beyer Blinder Belle will oversee the reno, which includes the restoration of the entrance, a new lighting system with hanging bronze fixtures, a new reception desk, and a granite accent wall.

For those unfamiliar with the Equitable Building, it actually played a huge role in the city’s current zoning laws. The H-shaped tower, which takes up the entire block on Broadway between Pine and Cedar Streets, caused a scandal when it opened due to the long shadows it cast on nearby streets, leading the city to establish the first-ever zoning laws to regulate the height of future tall buildings.

The upgrades to the building’s ornate facade will be plentiful. Beyer Blinder Belle will replace the green marble, which currently fills the arch above the doorway, with a bronze grille over glass. The goal is to fill the building’s lobby with more light. Then, the building’s revolving doors will be redesigned with bronze finishes.

The firm will add a new lighting system, with hanging bronze fixtures meant to enhance the building’s striking lobby. The lobby is also getting a new reception desk, a granite accent wall and activated and expanded retail spaces. Office tenants will also get a new roof deck and bike room.

Courtesy of Silverstein Properties

“Our plan is to restore and refine the building’s unique architectural features, and also update the property and its services for tenants,” Larry Silverstein, chairman of Silverstein Properties, said in a statement. “We want to create a 21st century workplace with a distinct Downtown New York character.”

Current view of the Equitable Building via Wiki Commons

The real estate company purchased the property in 1980, which became a landmark in 1996. The renovation will kick off early next year, according to Silverstein.

[Via Curbed]

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