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The Hebrew Educational Society

Social Service Projects – The Ripple Effects

April 2017

For our Spring 2017 newsletter, BGA is delighted to share a recent project for a most noteworthy Not-For-Profit organization, The Hebrew Educational Society (The H.E.S.) located in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. For over 100 years, this outstanding agency has been a vital part of the community, providing numerous support services for working parents and their children.


 

Also in this issue, we are once again proud to boast of yet another accomplishment by BGA President, Michele Boddewyn, AIA, who was recognized by the NY Chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)

Enjoy this issue! 

Please be sure to visit our new website – www.boddewyngaynorarchitects.com – to learn more about what BGA can do for you and Like Us on Facebook!

 
Sincerely,

Alan Gaynor, AIA

Partner

Hebrew Educational Society, Building Upgrade Project
9502 Seaview Avenue, Brooklyn, NY  

Existing Gym

Projects for social service agencies take on special significance for a project team.  The ripple effects of a completed project pay dividends and extend benefits to the community far into the future. BGA’s work for The Hebrew Educational Society is a poignant example of such a project.   


The Hebrew Educational Society (The H.E.S.) is a vibrant community c
enter in the 
Southeastern section of Brooklyn. Established in 1899 and led by a voluntary Board of Directors, The H.E.S. serves more than 1,200 people daily in this multi-cultural and dynamic community. It provides educational, recreational, cultural, sports and social-service programs to the Canarsie area’s diverse and ever-changing po
pulation.
 

After occupying their 45,000 SF facility for close to 50 years, the Board of Directors of this Not-For-Profit organization applied to the NYC Economic Development Corp. (EDC), and the UJA, for Grants to make infrastructure improvements to this heavily utilized facility.
 

Working with Project Control Group (the Owner’s representative), BGA assisted in assembling a team of Consultants and Builders to implement the upgrades to the 2-storey building complex. The addition of energy efficiency measures served to increase comfort while reducing the operating costs and the carbon footprint.

BGA is leading the project design team and working with JFK&M Consulting Group (the Mechanical Engineers), to implement a number of building-wide upgrades. These include: the replacement of the existing rooftop AC units, supplying the Gym and the Auditorium, with high-efficiency units; a new Dectron Dehumidification unit for the Pool; and a Fire Alarm system to meet the latest code requirements.  
 

In terms of Architectural work, BGA developed Design & Contract Documents for the replacement of all the windows; the refurbishment of the Gymnasium – floor, basketball backstops and motorized bleachers; and converted a Storage room into a multi-purpose Classroom. At the Pool, we are removing the hung ceiling and developing an indirect lighting scheme which will improve visibility for the lifeguards. The state of the art LED lamp technology will reduce lamp replacement while providing a more decorative light fixture.
 

Existing pool

The Phased Construction process is scheduled over several months to accommodate the children’s summer programs in conjunction with AJS ConstructionPrime Mechanical and Adler Windows to minimize the disruption to this very active community facility. As with so many infrastructure upgrade projects, when the construction work is done, it will be hard to see what has changed! The good news is that this community-based facility is well-positioned to continue serving the Canarsie neighborhood for another 50 years! 

The H.E.S website states that, “The agency is the primary source of support for working parents and their children. … Each year more than 800 preschoolers, children and teenagers participate in H.E.S. programs and activities.  … The agency operates an array of programs for developmentally disabled children and adults. There are several programs available for autistic children and their families. … The H.E.S. is a safe haven for their children to learn, grow, have fun and fulfill their dreams.”
 
We, at BGA, are privileged to have the opportunity to work with The H.E.S. team and bring our collective talents to assist this most worthwhile organization to fulfill its ongoing mission. May the ripples continue to expand.

BGA

s Michele Boddewyn Recognized by CREW NY

Commercial Real Estate 
Women of New York

Left to right: Kenne Shepherd, AIA, Michele Boddewyn, AIA and
Theresa Garelli, CREW New York President

The New York chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) recognized BGA President, Michele Boddewyn, AIA, with the 2016 Star Award.  The CREW Network is the industry’s premier business networking organization dedicated to advancing the achievements of women in commercial real estate. More than 10,000 CREW Network members represent nearly every discipline within the industry globally and have a presence in over 70 major markets.
 
Since joining BGA (formerly Alan Gaynor & Company) as a junior architect in 1980, Michele has been a rising star. Her ability to refine and execute exceptional design work is unsurpassed. In 2010, Michele assumed the role of BGA president and majority shareholder. 
 
In presenting Michele with the Star Award, Crew Network and Membership Recognition Chair, Kenne Shepherd, AIA stated:
 
“Michele is a person who works hard to accomplish goals, yet often does it behind the scenes. She is one of CREW New York’s unsung heroes. She has worked hard for the Chapter because she believes wholeheartedly in the organization and its benefits.
 
As Membership Chair for the last two years, membership in CREW New York has increased, there is greater attendance at events, and we have expanded to Long Island and Westchester. Her belief is that her Committee is successful because they are a team and she shows gratitude to every member for their contribution.”
 
Congratulations, Michele! We, at BGA, continue to marvel at your many talents and your ability to harness the energy of your colleagues. We are indeed proud and fortunate to have you on our team! 

 

BODDEWYN GAYNOR ARCHITECTS, d.p.c. 
120 Broadway, Suite 3654
New York, NY 10271
212.334.0900

© Copyright 2017, Boddewyn Gaynor Architects d.p.c.

IN THIS ISSUE


OUR PROMISE

Boddewyn Gaynor Architects understands that your needs evolve steadily, and we make certain we can adapt to them. By continually educating ourselves about the latest trends and changes, we can hit the ground running to integrate new, value-added features to our work and to your spaces. We’re continually finding fresh  and different ways to meet the challenges you face. At all times, we keep your objectives, budgets and timelines uppermost in our minds.

 

Working with BGA has always been a pleasure. The scheduling of the work at the Hebrew Educational Society was extremely challenging.
It required innovative thinking, logistics planning and client interface while developing a comprehensive set of construction documents.  BGA performed admirably – as a project team partner and, based on their prior institutional experience, as a knowledgeable source for solutions, particularly for the window replacement plus the pool and gym upgrades


Evan Schneider,
PresidentProject Control Group

WBENC / WBE / DBE Certified
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