Sloping Ground

Site Poses Challenge for Tower With School on Upper East Side

by Amy S. Choi

Crews start working on a $103 million project that will be a residential tower and adjacent school.

With its crescent Moon symbol atop a dome, The Islamic Cultural Center, a mosque located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is described as one of the most striking buildings in New York City.

But, it is exactly that significant setting that is posing a construction challenge for an adjacent $103 million 41-story residential tower and school for the mosque being built at 215 E. 96th St.

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HRH Construction began construction on the reinforced concrete tower with a brick façade on the tower, which is being developed by The Related Companies. The reinforced concrete tower with a brick façade will have 473 rental and condominium apartments and include a school for the Islamic Center mosque.

The problem is that the bedrock at the site slopes down approximately 100 feet across the width of the property. The challenging topography meant that laying the foundations required five and a half months, approximately 60 percent longer than is typical, according to Bob Germano Sr., project manager for HRH Construction. The building's foundation incorporates 984 piles, ranging in length from 50 feet to 110 feet.

"You have to drive piles down through the fill material to get a good foundation resting on the rock," said Germano.

When completed, the building will be located on the east side of Third Avenue, between 96th and 97th streets. It will run east towards Second Avenue for two-thirds of the block on 97th Street. On 96th Street, it will run east for half the block.

"In addition to the challenge posed by the site, the tower's height requires sophisticated planning for logistics and safety," said Germano. "When buildings rise above about 30 stories in height, you have to worry about the winds and getting the men and supplies to the high floors takes more time and coordination."

HLW is the design architect on the project, the Rockwell Group is designing interior space and Ismael Leyva Architects is the executive architect and designer of the residences. When construction is complete in November 2005, a parking garage and a cellar will occupy the two below-grade floors.

The retail and commercial space mosque school is to occupy the majority of the first, second and third floors. The rental apartments will begin on the third floor, where nine units are planned, and continue through the 21st floor. The upper 20 stories will contain condominium apartments with expansive views.