The State University of New York (SUNY) is undertaking a project to build a new academic building at its Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) campus in Manhattan. Reporting to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), Hill and AECOM are supporting the project in a joint venture (JV). The JV, named “LEGACY,” provided consulting services during design and is currently managing construction.

The project will deliver a mixed-use, 109,000 SF building to allow FIT to better serve a growing student population. Surrounded by a glass façade, the $125 million building will have 9 floors above grade and 2 below. The project also involves connecting the new building to the adjacent Feldman Center for enhanced campus integration. The facility is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification with energy efficient building management systems, solar paneling, and provisions for a green roof. In addition to monitoring project costs and schedule, the JV’s construction management services include construction supervision, coordination of multiple contracts, interfacing with the various public utilities and agencies, and quality assurance/quality control through closeout of the project.

Hill Senior Vice President and Regional Manager Dominick Fickeria says of the project: “Individuals on the JV team began working on the campus in early 2000, so it will be very satisfying to continue assisting DASNY in the transformation of the FIT campus. The new academic building is actually being constructed on the site where the JV individuals managed two building structures for DASNY nearly 20 years ago, an exhibit hall and cafeteria that will enclose the new academic building structure. This experience gives us the advantage of going into the construction phase with first-hand familiarity with the project site, FIT staff, as well as the client’s expectations.

“This project is bringing back the LEGACY of a successful team that has worked together in the past. It’s also a unique opportunity for the JV to work together with many of the same players from FIT and DASNY again. Through the years, the individual positions and roles have changed, but the synergy of the team is still strong and the LEGACY of an experienced, responsive team with a focus on DASNY and FIT’s goals continues.

“Beyond their experience with LEGACY, AECOM’s and our own team members all have experience delivering higher education projects in this region and even for DASNY,” adds Fickeria. “We understand building in NYC and building for higher ed. This experience, our familiarity with SUNY’s project, and the LEGACY’s synergy will all translate into tangible benefits for the client as they construct their exciting new facility.”

The new academic building project is scheduled to conclude in Q4 2023. In 2017, the project received one of the NYC Public Design Commission’s 35th Annual Awards for Excellence in Design. The building received the award, in particular, because of its sustainable features. For more information about the project, visit http://www.fitnyc.edu/campus/improvements/academic-building/index.php.