12 East 13th St
Greenwich Village
Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, 12 East 13th Street is a striking example of how historic structures can be thoughtfully reimagined for modern living. Originally constructed in 1930 as an eight-story parking garage, the building served the growing demand for automobile storage in a rapidly urbanizing Manhattan. With its sturdy brick façade and industrial-scale interiors, the garage was a practical response to the city’s evolving transportation needs during the early 20th century.
By the 1930s, Greenwich Village had established itself as a cultural and artistic hub, attracting writers, musicians, and social reformers who shaped its bohemian identity. During this era, the neighborhood’s historic rowhouses, carriage houses, and industrial structures provided affordable spaces for creative communities. Architectural styles ranged from classic Federal and Greek Revival townhouses to early 20th-century industrial buildings like the original 12 East 13th Street. The economic conditions of the time influenced development, and practical structures such as parking garages were built to accommodate the rising number of automobiles in the city.
In 2012, Continental Properties acquired the parking garage and embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project in collaboration with the esteemed architectural firm CetraRuddy. The transformation included adding four stories atop the original structure, featuring a sleek glass and steel design that harmonizes with the building’s historic brick base. Completed in 2015, the project created eight exclusive, loft-style residences, each offering expansive living spaces, state-of-the-art amenities, and an automated car parking system. With its 24-hour concierge, fitness center, and private storage, 12 East 13th Street now exemplifies luxury urban living while maintaining its connection to the architectural and cultural legacy of Greenwich Village.
Our Scope of Work
Our firm was engaged to provide a comprehensive suite of engineering services to support a renovation project within the building. The project encompassed critical mechanical system upgrades and electrical system review while ensuring compliance with New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations.
HVAC System Design & Mechanical Engineering
To meet the demands of high-end residential living, we designed a modern, energy-efficient HVAC system tailored to out client's needs. Our team performed detailed load calculations to optimize heating and cooling performance, ensuring climate control that aligns with luxury standards. The system was designed for seamless integration into the existing spaces, providing superior indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
Electrical Load Letter
As part of the project, our team prepared a comprehensive electrical load letter to assess the power requirements of the newly proposed equipment. This report was crucial in ensuring the existing electrical infrastructure could support the existing and new load while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Air Balancing Report
Precision in airflow distribution is essential in modern residential buildings. We conducted an extensive air balancing analysis to assess the performance of the existing system and provide a tailored and comprehensive solution. This process ensured optimal airflow rates across all units, improving comfort levels and preventing system inefficiencies that could impact residents.
Regulatory Filings with NYC DOB
Navigating New York City’s complex building regulations is a critical component of any project. Our team managed all required DOB filings, including HVAC work permits, energy compliance documentation, and inspection coordination. This streamlined the approval process and ensured that the project adhered to all applicable codes and standards.
Special Inspections
As part of our commitment to ensuring compliance and safety, we conducted multiple Special Inspections in accordance with NYC DOB regulations:
Fire-Resistant Penetrations & Joints Special Inspection – Verified that all fire-rated assemblies, penetrations, and joints met code requirements, ensuring proper fire containment and occupant safety.
Mechanical Systems Special Inspection – Assessed the HVAC and mechanical system installations to confirm they were completed in accordance with approved plans and DOB standards.
Tenant Protection Plan Compliance Special Inspection – Ensured that construction activities complied with the Tenant Protection Plan (TPP) to minimize disruptions and maintain safety for any occupied spaces during the project.
Energy Code Compliance Inspection – Evaluated building systems and materials to verify compliance with the NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC), ensuring the project met efficiency and sustainability standards.
Final Inspections – Conducted a comprehensive review of the completed work, confirming adherence to all applicable codes and regulations prior to project completion.