Creative Partnership Leads to A+ Compliance for Brearley

By David Temidara

When the prestigious Brearley School built a new facility one block away from the primary campus on 610 East 83rd Street, the institution engaged Metropolis Group to help manage the complex construction process. Metropolis team members worked with architects, engineers, and owners’ representatives to secure the construction permits, ensure timely renewals, and assist with timely Certificate of Occupancy (CO) approvals in time for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Based on that successful partnership, Metropolis is helping Brearley renovate the property at 610 East 83rd Street, which has housed the all-girls school since 1929.

Coordinating a Diverse Construction Team

Metropolis project managers work closely with all members of the construction team to facilitate overall code compliance and an understanding of each specialist’s role in the larger project. Reviewing how architectural changes affect mechanical systems, for instance, keeps the team moving forward in concert.

In addition, Metropolis pays close attention to any on-site changes during construction that affect overall compliance. Discovering unknown conditions creates ongoing challenges as the process uncovers contingencies that fall outside the original project scope. Metropolis coordinates with design professionals and city agencies to develop solutions that ensure student safety and support the learning process without compromising the construction schedule.

Translating Client Needs into Agency Understanding

Metropolis recently assisted Brearley with securing a public assembly (PA) permit for the first-floor library before an approaching deadline. The layout remained unchanged from the original construction of the school, but the library had undergone extensive renovation, with minor work remaining. To help secure the PA approval by the client deadline, the Metropolis Technical Affairs Division applied its extensive code knowledge to submit determinations that presented the school’s case in a way that complied with code requirements.

Transparency: The Key to a Clean Property Profile

To avoid surprises, Metropolis ensures that all applications are filed as standard review and approved by a DOB plan examiner. This process ensures that a DOB representative reviews the proposal and confirms its compliance with applicable codes and standards. These reviews also reduce the risk of random audits, which can hinder construction.

With permits in place, Metropolis coordinates with all team members during the construction process to renew permits as required and to secure additional permits for future project phases. Keeping the DOB up to date removes the risk of a violation, which can jeopardize timely occupancy.

United in Creative Thinking

Just as Brearley challenges students to think critically and creatively, Metropolis applies the same skills to the construction process. Experienced team members bring in-depth knowledge of construction codes and compliance to help organizations like Brearley find innovative solutions to the unknown challenges that arise during construction. This partnership allows Brearley to maintain state-of-the-art facilities without disrupting its mission of preparing young women of adventurous intellect for growth and success.