Lehman College Multimedia Center for the City University of New York (CUNY) has been built underground below an existing exterior plaza in the core of Carman Hall, the college’s largest primary academic building.  The Multimedia Center provides state-of-the-art capabilities for distance learning and media production.  The design doubled the footprint of the two-story basement space to 22,000 square feet through the insertion of an intermediate floor and a sky bridge connecting the wings of the doughnut-shaped building. 

A skylight over the open stairway and translucent plaza pavers above and along the sky bridge bring natural light into the Center, and a glass entry structure provides a visible “face” and articulated exterior entrance.  Its program includes a two-story production studio, audio and production control rooms, eight editing labs, a media conversion labs and smart classrooms.  Asbestos removal and associated hazardous materials abatement were also required during the demolition phase of existing structure, floors, walls and ceilings that preceded the new construction within the existing building.   

Working with Greyhawk Construction Managers & Consultants (Construction Manager), FXFOWLE (Architect of Record),  the Dormitory Authority State of New York (DASNY),  the City University of New York ( CUNY, the Owner) and four Prime Contractors (GC/S, M, P, E), I was tasked with maintaining all jobsite records in Primavera Expedition full time on site during the ongoing reconstruction of a building that remained fully occupied throughout.

I also co-chaired regular construction progress meetings with the Project Executive and Construction Superintendent, recorded and distributed the Minutes, reviewed the master schedule and contractor payment applications for necessary adjustments, and negotiated the opportunity for Greyhawk project managers to receive complimentary Primavera Expedition software training from the Dormitory Authority State of New York.  (Photo Credits:  FXFOWLE)