New York University has decided to dramatically scale down its planned makeover of 370 Jay Street in downtown Brooklyn.
Final plans for the former Metropolitan Transportation Authority headquarters were submitted Wednesday night, and they were a far cry from the futuristic glass and steel renderings the university first pitched after agreeing to take over the building in 2012. Now, the university says it will restore the space as it currently appears, with several so-called sustainable elements in lieu of a total transformation.
NYU’s revised plans call for restoration of the building’s limestone exterior. Indeed, by choosing restoration over renovation, the project will reduce the amount of construction landfill waste by approximately 4,000 cubic yards, Crain’s reported. The university also plans to replace 370 Jay Street’s more than 1,000 windows with energy-efficient versions. Those on the building’s south-facing side will also be outfitted with protruding shades as an energy-saving measure.
New mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems will be installed, as well as a one megawatt micro turbine. The design also calls for green roof elements, according to Crain’s.
NYU will occupy every square foot of the building once the project is completed, with the university’s Center for Urban Science and Progress taking the top three floors, with tech incubators Urban Future Lab, Varick Street Incubator and the DUMBO incubator occupying the third floor. The remaining space will be used for classrooms and other academic purposes, according to Crain’s. [Crain’s] — Julie Strickland
