In the heart of Lower Manhattan, where towering modern structures coexist with the city’s rich historical heritage, stands the 22 Reade Street building. This iconic landmark has been a silent witness to the transformative journey of New York City since its inception in 1875.
Recently, this historic structure underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation to not only stabilize and reconstruct its deteriorating underground vaults but also to reinforce the structural integrity of the area beneath the sidewalk. In parallel, the project adapted the building’s systems to function seamlessly with both the newly infilled space under the roadway and the stabilized sidewalk infrastructure. What made this project remarkable wasn’t just the complexity of the task but the efficiency, precision, and collaboration that led to its successful completion ahead of schedule.
AI Engineers, Inc. (AIE) played an integral role in ensuring the successful delivery of this critical project. Through planning, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to structural integrity and historic preservation, the team transformed an aging building and infrastructure into a safe, functional asset for the city.
A Site Steeped in History
The site is located within the African Burial Ground and Commons Historic District, carries significant historical context. This area was once a vital part of early New York City, serving as both a municipal and cultural hub. However, with time, its infrastructure aged, and its underground vault—originally designed for storage and utility purposes—began to deteriorate, posing risks to both safety and historical preservation efforts.
Given the site’s historic significance, every phase of construction required close coordination with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, ensuring that the rehabilitation work met strict preservation standards. This added complexity required innovative solutions to strengthen the structure without compromising historical integrity while also ensuring that modern building systems could continue functioning seamlessly.
AIE’s Role in the Project
AIE’s work extended beyond the vault itself - it included the investigation, inspection, and redesign of building systems that interacted with the vault infill. The project was executed in three key phases:
Phase 1 - Vault Investigation & Evaluation
To begin the rehabilitation process, AIE conducted topographic and utility surveys to map the existing site conditions accurately. The team developed Work Zone Traffic Control (WZTC) plans, which were approved by the DOT, ensuring safe and organized operations throughout the project. To maintain compliance and worker safety, AIE reviewed the Contractor’s Scope, Health & Safety Plan (HASP), and Confined Space Plan. The project required close coordination with the construction management team to integrate specialized contractors effectively.
Given the confined nature of the underground space, environmental safety assessments were also conducted to mitigate hazards. AIE employed manual and advanced 3D scanning methods to collect extensive field data, of both the structural conditions of the vault and the existing building systems running through it, ensuring a precise understanding of how the planned modifications would affect the infrastructure.
Our qualified inspectors conducted thorough vault inspections and structural evaluations, which led to the development of a comprehensive vault inspection and evaluation report, analyzing the existing structural conditions and laying the groundwork for the next phase.
Phase 2 - Stabilization of the Vault
Once the assessment was completed, AIE performed structural load calculations to determine the appropriate weight distributions necessary for stabilizing the vault. A temporary shoring system was carefully designed and implemented to provide stability throughout the rehabilitation process. Additionally, AIE developed structural analysis reports, design plans, and specifications, ensuring that all stabilization measures adhered to industry standards and safety protocols.
Phase 3 - Design of the Permanent Infill of the Vault & Relocation of Facilities
The final phase of the project focused on the permanent infill of the vault and the adaptation of the buildings systems. AIE provided architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, site, civil, and structural design solutions, ensuring a comprehensive and long-lasting infrastructure upgrade.
Geotechnical recommendations and specifications were developed to guarantee the vault’s long-term stability, while environmental assessments and hazardous material (HAZMAT) evaluations were conducted to mitigate potential risks. AIE ensured strict compliance with current applicable codes, confirming that all design and construction elements met regulatory standards.
Furthermore, the project included surveying and archaeological services to preserve any historical elements that could be impacted by the rehabilitation work. These efforts played a vital role in balancing the preservation of the site’s historical significance while ensuring its safety and functionality for the future.
Innovative Design and Technology
Due to the project’s emergency nature, NYCDDC issued a Declaration of Emergency setting a highly demanding deadline for design completion. The presence of electrical and environmental hazards inside the vault further complicated access and required extensive safety measures.
To address these challenges, AIE deployed cutting-edge solutions:
3D Scanning & Point Cloud Data Processing: These advanced techniques enabled accurate data collection and modeling of the vault’s as-built conditions, compensating for the lack of existing record drawings.
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Enhanced coordination between trades and expedited design workflows.
Remediation and Work Sequence Planning: Developed a strategic approach to remove contaminated debris while ensuring safe access for electrical inspections.
Multidisciplinary Approach: The AIE project design team, comprising in-house Architects, Inspectors, MEP, Fire Protection, Site, Civil, and Structural Engineers, collaborated closely with the DDC and other NYC regulatory agencies to deliver the project ahead of schedule and within budget.
Meeting Challenges with Precision
Coordination among multiple trades, combined with the urgency of the project schedule, presented significant challenges. AIE tackled these head-on by integrating engineering expertise, technological advancements, and proactive planning to ensure seamless execution.
AIE’s work didn’t stop at structural stability; it also addressed long-term functionality. The firm ensured that all electrical and plumbing systems running through the vault were properly rerouted, minimizing future risks. Additionally, the integration of geotechnical recommendations into the final design ensured that the infill process would stand the test of time, preventing future degradation.
One of the most critical aspects of this project was working within a historic district while ensuring that modern engineering solutions complemented the site’s legacy. AIE’s archaeological services played a vital role in assessing the underground conditions, preventing any potential disturbance to cultural artifacts. This balance between preservation and innovation underscores the firm’s expertise in handling complex urban projects.
The successful rehabilitation of the 22 Reade Street vault stands as a testament to AIE’s commitment to engineering excellence, safety, and historic sensibilities. This project not only reinforced a crucial piece of NYC infrastructure but also demonstrated how modern engineering can coexist with the City's rich history.
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