H&H is serving as the lead designer for Package 3 of NYC Transit’s Enhanced Station Initiative (ESI) program. H&H teamed with design-build lead contractor ECCO III Enterprises and joint venture partner LHP Architects.
This fast-track design-build project involved the major renovation of four subway stations on the B and C lines on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and Washington Heights (72nd Street, 86th Street, 110th Street, and 163rd Street), as part of NY Transit’s overall Enhanced Station Initiative. The work included making the stations cleaner, brighter, and easier to navigate by utilizing improved lighting and more intuitive wayfinding and providing amenities such as Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. This involved architectural finishes (including painting and signage), structural repair and modifications, electrical (including lighting, communications, and technology) and mechanical work, and architectural and engineering services and surveying. The work included a wide variety of improvements, everything from enhanced station entrances to agent booths to stair treatments, wall finishes, handrails, benches, and trash receptacles.
At the 72nd Street station, which sits under the famous Dakota apartment building, a new series of murals commissioned by MTA and designed by Yoko Ono was installed, overseen by the contractor. Ono lives in the Dakota, where she and her husband John Lennon lived until he died in 1980. The six ceramic tile Ono murals featuring white clouds against a blue sky are titled “SKY.” Said Ono about her mural: “It will bring the sky underground, so it’s always with us. I hope this will bring peace and joy to my fellow New Yorkers for many years to come.” Ceramic murals by other artists were also added at the other three project locations.
Sustainable measures were implemented at each station, including LED light fixtures throughout and LED handrails at entrances. Dust and debris air mitigation was performed during construction. Structural repairs to the stations included waterproofing, repair or replacement of the floor topping, and concrete spall repair.
The project aims to facilitate increased ridership on the New York City Transit System, bringing the stations to a state of good repair; and improving the stations’ operation and maintainability.
