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All that glitters may not be gold, but all that is made of glass definitely glitters and can earn itself a Gold. The very best example of this seemingly unique phenomenon is 545 Madison Avenue in New York City.
545 Madison Avenue, a 17-storey, class-A building at the plaza district stands as the greenest new office tower. This class-A building has earned a Gold certification under the LEED core and shell rating system from the USGBC and is the 27 th building to earn this certification in New York City. Originally, this high-rise building was constructed in 1956. In 2008, this building was reopened by LCOR, following a rehabilitation plan started in 2007. The revamping plan was designed by the New York City based Moed de Armas & Shannon Architects and executed by Bovis.
New Improved! Features
This trophy class-A tower occupies 140,000 square-feet in area. The old façade of the building has been replaced by state-of-the-art glass curtain walls. The dazzling floor-to-ceiling curtain wall reduces electricity demand for lighting by allowing an enormous amount of daylight to penetrate inside. The lobby is animated by four lightly colored resin sculptures which brighten up the ambience for the tenants as well as visitors. The translucent resin along the walls of the lobby animates the space and changes with the light. The first-rate interior environment of this tower minimizes its impact on the world outside. The reflective roof and sidewalks are designed to deflect light and heat.
How 545 Madison Avenue Went Green
High-performance HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems have been installed. Individual offices have their own thermal controls. Water conservation is achieved through bathrooms that feature efficient plumbing fixtures. 93 percent of internal lighting is provided by sunlight. Renewable power sources are used allover the tower.
Other green features include low-VOC materials, Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products, post-industrial & post-customer recycled steel, carpeting, gypsum wall boards, and insulation. Most material used in this building is recycled, reused and also locally fabricated.
Financial service provider CS Tang signed a two-year lease at the new improved, green certified 545 Madison Avenue. CS Tang is the first tenant of this rehabilitated tower and occupies 3,400 square-feet on the eighth floor. It is expected that the rehabilitation of this trophy tower will attract several more tenants.
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