MET LIFE TOWER, NEW YORK, NY
2006 ACEC-NY PLATINIUM AWARD

Recycling a Landmark for Residential Use:
Built in 1909, the MetLife Tower, a New York City and national landmark, has outlived its usefulness as a commercial building. The Tower is connected to a larger commercial structure, the South Building, which is fully occupied.

MetLife recognized the Tower’s potential for conversion to a luxury residential dwelling, but only if specific MEP design issues could be satisfactorily addressed: the Tower’s utilities and electro-mechanical services, which were completely interconnected with those of the South Building, needed to be separated without interrupting services to South Building tenants; the MEP design had to comply with landmark structure specifications; and the conversion had to be performed economically to maximize residential space.

Turning a Limitation into an Advantage:
New MEP systems had to occupy minimal space and be housed within the existing structure or concealed from view, with no modifications to the façade. With no roof space for air conditioning heat rejection, suitable space had to be found without violating landmark regulations.

By demonstrating the economic feasibility of converting an architectural gem for residential use, this study provides a model for converting other landmark buildings with similar challenges — buildings which, if left untouched, remain vacant. In cities where residential space is at a premium, this type of solution is vital to smart development.