SEAinG ClEARly - Structure Tone Inc.

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1 

Seaing Clearly 

Among those inspired by the wonder 

of the sea are the team members 

designing and building the unique 

SeaGlass Carousel at the Battery. Pavarini 

McGovern (PMG) is working closely with the 

Battery Conservancy, New York City Department 

of Parks & Recreation, WXY architecture 

+ urban design, and many other 

team members to bring the experience of the 

sea to life through construction of a carousel 

within an open-air pavilion. 

The new attraction harkens back to the Battery’s 

historic role as the site of New York’s 

first aquarium (1896-1941). The Battery 

Conservancy’s goal (envisioned by WXY architecture 

+ urban design and brought to 

life by PMG) is to construct an aquaticthemed 

carousel that will be a focal point 

and destination for the Battery. 

Image Courtesy WXY architecture + urban design 

p The new SeaGlass Carousel at the 

Battery in NYC is a work of art and 

architecture to both entertain and 

educate visitors to the historic park 

The Undersea Experience 

The experience is educational as well as entertaining; 

enthusiasts will experience a 360º 

total sensory adventure. The Carousel’s 

turntable simulates the ocean floor and 30 

fish figures (hand crafted by the George 

Tsypin Opera Factory) comprise the ride. 

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one 

in its net of wonder forever. 

—Jacques Cousteau 

Fiber optic and LED lights glow from within 

the fish and the nautically-inspired, shellshaped 

pavilion structure consists of 67 individually 

sized, illuminated glass panels lit 

to simulate an underwater experience. 

An oceanic soundtrack completes the 

experience while images of marine life are 

projected inside the pavilion as figures move 

to emulate fish swimming in the sea. 

(continued on next page) 

p A mock-up of the magnificent, hand-crafted 

glass fish that will be the rides of the carousel

2 

Terra Firma Challenges 

Image courtesy of WXY architecture + urban design 

p The nautilus-shaped carousel will be a glass and steel structure 

with custom sculpted, various-sized glass panels 

This exciting project requires management of many key issues 

for PMG, including foundation work, preserving and protecting 

the park environment, and safety in and around the project site 

since the park will remain open throughout construction. Veterans 

of the delicate dance of constructing in the ‘fish bowl’ of 

Manhattan, the PMG team, lead by project exec Marc DePaul, 

is ready for, and energized by, the opportunity. “The enthusiasm 

is contagious. We are all very excited about this one-of-a-kind 

project that will draw people to the Battery for years to come,” 

said DePaul. 

“Pavarini McGovern has embraced our design and the vision of our 

client and they are integral to bringing to life a project that is like a 

theater production, but one that has to stand up to weather, time 

and close inspection.” —Claire Weisz, founding principal, 

W X Y architecture + urban design 

The shell-shaped structure calls for 15ft-deep foundations. Yet, 

at this location the water table is just below the surface. Therefore, 

the spread footings for the structure require extensive sheeting 

and dewatering. 

Also, in a historically significant area such as the Battery, the 

ground beneath is likely to have experienced considerable alterations 

resulting in unforeseen existing conditions. For example, 

during initial construction our project team found gas, water 

and electrical conduit lines, as well as a cobblestone path, which 

were not noted on the project drawings. We worked closely 

with the utility companies to mitigate these conditions 

and maintain the project schedule. 

Another concern is the foundation’s proximity to 

the New York City subway—a mere 10ft from an 

active line. The PMG team is working closely with 

the MTA to ensure subway service is not interrupted 

and that foundation work does not affect 

subway access or operation. 

“A custom project, with so many details, requires 

constant communication. When unforeseen 

conditions arose in the foundation work, Pavarini 

McGovern staff were ready with ideas to keep the 

work moving and on schedule.” —Oscar Urquiola, 

New York City Department of Parks & Recreation 

Keeping the park open throughout construction is a key project 

requirement…and challenge. We resolved this by minimizing the 

amount of laydown space for construction materials and utilizing 

just one construction entrance/exit. Significant protective 

fencing, signage and wayfinding ensure the safety of visitors. 

Preserving the Park’s natural resources is another priority. With 

the help of Pat Kirsher from the Battery Conservancy our team 

created a plan with the least impact to the Park, including removing 

only specific limbs of some trees to protect these natural 

resources. “We worked with the Parks Department and Pavarini 

McGovern to locate the carousel in the best place to minimize 

disturbance to the existing trees,” said Warrie Price, president of 

the Battery Conservancy. “It is wonderful that we will have this 

beautiful structure without damaging the beauty of the Park.” 

The structure housing the carousel will be glass and steel. The 

unusual nautilus shape requires a specific “shape formula” to 

sculpt each of the various-sized glass panels. No strangers to 

working with glass facades, having recently completed the 

award-winning Urban Glass House on Spring Street and other 

notable glass facades, the PMG team is in constant contact with 

the glass fabricator. Many of the pieces will be fitted in the factory 

before shipping to ensure that placement on-site is seamless. 

Taking Shape 

From the beginning of time, the sea has been integral to evolution. 

The goal of the SeaGlass Carousel is to help evolve a child’s 

imagination into knowledge. This is the vision of the Battery Conservancy 

and the goal of the team tirelessly dedicated to bringing 

the wonder of the sea to everyone through this work of art 

and light in the Battery. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

3 

Firsts, 

and Firsts 

Again 

It's a First! Structure Tone London's 

Royal College of General Practitioner's 

(RCGP) site enlists the 

help of a 65ft tower crane, which 

gets to work rising from the basement 

to lift out over seven floors. 

And, in a first revisited, Structure 

Tone London is back where it 

began in 1986 with a fit-out for 

Met Life in the Canary Wharf 

Tower. We are back on-site again 

for Met Life, fitting-out 25,000sf on 

the 50th floor of this iconic London 

landmark. 

The 65ft crane at 

the Royal College 

of Practitioner’s site 

Canary Wharf Tower, London 

Executive Focus: 

The Many Faces of 40 

by Jim Donaghy 

Celebrating our 40th anniversary 

is a tremendous accomplishment. 

As I’ve walked through 

our many offices over the past year, I 

see faces that have been with us as 

they’ve celebrated their 5th, 10th, 20th 

and other anniversaries, as well as new 

ones that I look forward to looking back 

with in years to come. 

Reflecting on this, I am—as I often 

am—moved by the commitment and 

dedication of our amazing staff. I am 

struck by the bonds we share, so much 

more like family than just co-workers. 

Like a family, we grow and change as 

people join and (some times, regrettably) 

leave. As families do, we see 

young men and women mature and 

make their mark – fulfilling glimpses 

we saw amid the growing pains and 

making us stop in admiration at the sophisticated 

leaders they have become. 

We weather personal and professional 

challenges by pitching in and “doing 

what it takes” and share the excitement 

of good times knowing that, together, 

we made good fortune possible. And, 

yes, like families, we can rub a raw 

nerve now and then, but with a good 

laugh and open heart we overcome 

those minor frictions. 

Sadly, this is also the year we commemorate 

10 years since the heartwrenching 

events of September 11, 

2001—a moment of great remorse for 

Structure Tone when we lost three 

bright and brave members of our family—Kieran 

Gorman, Brendan Lang 

and Anthony Peluso. Kieran, Brendan 

and Anthony live on in our hearts and 

prayers and, as the memorial in our 

headquarters lobby says, “never will we 

forget…not tomorrow or today, for they 

are not gone, they are just away.” 

To continually renew and celebrate the 

spirit of our lost brothers, Structure Tone 

created three scholarships, one in each 

of their names. The scholarships are 

awarded each year to support higher 

education pursuits of deserving sons 

and daughters of our employees. The 

scholarships acknowledge academic 

achievement, leadership qualities and 

community spirit in the awardees—attributes 

that reflect the values and core 

essence of Kieran, Brendan and Anthony. 

For us, the most meaningful tribute to 

the lives of the three men was to create 

an enduring legacy in their names that 

helps family members of their Structure 

Tone brothers and sisters. Through 

these memorial scholarships, every 

year Kieran, Brendan and Anthony 

reach out to help young people pursue 

their goals and dreams. Perhaps for 

some of the awardees those goals may 

even include a future in construction 

management, completing the circle. 

So, in this bittersweet year of 2011, we 

look back and reflect on joys and successes, 

growth and achievement and 

also loss and moments of deep 

sadness—as any family does. We 

also look forward, not 

quite knowing what 

mountain tops or 

valleys lie ahead 

but confident that 

with the strength, 

spirit and deep caring 

of our Structure 

Tone family the next 

40 years will surely 

be as remarkable 

as the first. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

4 

On the Cutting Edge 

Only the second of its kind in New 

Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson 

University Hospital is proud to 

have a new Gamma Knife Center: Advanced 

Treatment for Brain and Spine on 

their New Brunswick campus. This new 

2,100sf, highly technical space was constructed 

in an occupied medical building 

with a busy radiology floor and active operating 

rooms nearby. 

How to reinforce the floor, walls and ceiling 

utilizing no construction laydown 

space; bring 60,000lbs of delicate medical 

equipment into an occupied building; 

and securely protect radioactive material 

throughout construction—all while maintaining 

ICRA standards—were just a few 

of the key issues our staff addressed during 

preconstruction. “Aside from those 

things, this was just a regular fit-out,” 

joked superintendent Joseph MacInnes. 

Cutting to the Chase 

Joe and the team started with the structural 

improvements. A new slab and new 

plumbing and electrical equipment created 

a foundation for the main entrance 

canopy and patient lift. Connecting these 

areas to the Gamma Knife space required 

adjusting for a 4ft difference in elevation 

between the two spaces. In 

addition to the heavy structural work, construction 

encompassed a lead-shielded 

magnet room with a technician area, 

p The new Gamma Knife Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is a center of 

excellence for the sophisticated and delicate treatment of spine and brain disorders 

exam rooms, doctor’s office, wheel 

chair/patient bed lift, and a patient waiting 

area. 

Employing radiosurgery, Gamma Knife 

Perfexion is not a “knife” as we think of it. 

No incision is made and conditions can 

be treated precisely without damaging 

surrounding healthy tissue. 

Transporting any radioactive material requires 

special security and protection. The 

FBI and NJ State Police assisted with the 

four-day delivery of the state-of-the-art 

equipment. Further, a Gamma Knife 

space requires 24/7/365 security involving 

multiple cameras, motorized door operators, 

and card readers for both the 

suite and procedure room. Each day, this 

security system was shut down and 

stripped from the doorway so the large 

equipment could be installed and all the 

security was put back in place for protection 

overnight. 

the New Jersey Department of Health and 

a radiology specialist from Department of 

Environmental Protection. Another was 

with the equipment supplier. “Working 

with Structure Tone on the Elekta Gamma 

Knife project at Robert Wood Johnson 

was a good experience. Their coordination 

and cooperation was some of the 

best I have encountered. With their high 

attention to detail and ‘can do’ attitude it 

made my job as site coordinator easy. I 

enjoy working on projects with such a 

high quality organization,” noted Johnny 

Houston, site coordinator, Elekta (supplier 

of Gamma Knife equipment). 

“Structure Tone was a key partner in 

managing the complex delivery schedule 

and logistics required to get our Gamma 

Knife Center open on time.” —David Bogle, 

director of construction, Robert Wood Johnson 

University Hospital 

p Construction of the Center was a delicate 

procedure in an occupied, fully functioning 

medical building 

Precisely Done 

With no storage space and 60,000lbs of 

equipment, coordination and communication 

required as much precision as the 

procedures themselves. One key coordination 

requirement was inspections from 

Opened in spring 2011 and now helping 

many patients with difficult brain and 

spine disorders, Structure Tone is proud 

to have been a part of constructing this 

state-of-the-art, cutting-edge space. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

5 

A Winning Team 

p (L to R): Chris Canty, NY Giants; Tony Carvette, Structure Tone; Joe 

Namath; Laurence Tosi, The Blackstone Group LP; Frank Gifford; Barry 

Salzberg, Deloitte LLP; Tony Richardson, NY Jets; Robert Kueppers, 

Deloitte LLP; Joe Cabrera, Cushman & Wakefield 

United Way of NYC held its annual 

Gridiron Gala and Tony Carvette, 

president, Structure Tone, cochaired 

the high-spirited event with Joe 

Cabrera, executive vice president, Cushman 

& Wakefield; Robert Friedman, senior 

managing director, The Blackstone 

Group; and Robert Kueppers, deputy chief 

executive officer, Deloitte. The evening 

raised more than $2 million to support 

United Way programs that help at-risk 

New York City youth. 

Laurence Tosi, senior managing director 

and chief financial officer, The Blackstone 

Group and Barry Salzberg, chief executive 

officer, Deloitte were named community 

quarterbacks. Tony Richardson, fullback, 

NY Jets and Chris Canty, defensive lineman, 

NY Giants were also recognized as 

hometown heroes. All four were honored 

for their extraordinary commitment to giving 

back to the community. 

Gold Standard 

Our London office recently 

received high recognition 

from RoSPA in the form of a 

Gold Award. The Royal Society for the 

Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is an 

organisation with an explicit mission 

and vision: to save lives and reduce 

injuries and to lead the way on 

accident prevention. 

Roy Somerfield, manager of safety, 

health and environmental quality for 

the office, accepted the award for 

Structure Tone. Winners are acknowledged 

to have achieved a very high 

level of performance, demonstrating 

well developed occupational health 

and safety management systems and 

culture and exhibiting outstanding 

control of risk with very low levels of 

error, harm and loss. 

p Roy Somerfield (R) accepts a 2011 Gold 

RoSPA for outstanding safety achievement 

in the London office 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

6 

Making Connections 

The driving philosophy of HOK, a premier 

worldwide architectural firm, is ‘ideas 

work.’ And, for their new 34,000sf office 

located at 1065 Avenue of the Americas, there 

was no shortage of ideas! It was designed as 

LEED Platinum, utilized Building Information 

Modeling (BIM), and contracted as Integrated 

Project Delivery (IPD). 

The processes integrated the team, systems and 

talents of HOK (owner and designer) and Structure 

Tone (construction manager). With over 27 

years of working together to meet a diverse range 

of client needs around the globe, our team was 

prepared to harness the energy of ideas to power 

them to successful reality. 

The project was an opportunity for HOK to create 

a forward-looking space that reflects the firm’s 

commitment to creativity, inspiration and connectivity, 

as well as its worldwide leadership in sustainability. 

Emblematic of HOK’s design philosophy and practice, 

BIM and IPD were used to organize the design and construction 

professionals into a collaborative team working to achieve one 

common goal. 

Of Like Minds 

BIM and IPD provided maximum opportunity to connect people 

and processes to expeditiously and collaboratively achieve solutions 

to project challenges. IPD stipulates that the owner, architect 

and contractor are part of the same management team 

driving together towards common goals and the best interests 

of the project. 

©Eric Laignel | Image courtesy of HOK 

p Utilizing BIM, designed to achieve LEED Platinum and delivered 

via IPD, HOK’s NYC office connects new ideas for integration, 

collaboration and innovation 

“Through the IPD method, the Structure Tone—HOK team was 

incentivized to create a successful project in the most expeditious 

and economical manner,” remarked Rich Schneider, project executive. 

“Because there was shared risk, there was shared reward—nobody 

won unless everyone won.” 

Brainstorming 

Existing conditions presented challenges that were significantly 

resolved through BIM and IPD. These included low floor-to-ceiling 

slab, the post and beam configuration of the 

ceiling, and a number of high columns throughout. 

HOK designed a loft-like environment, which required 

the mechanical systems to be installed in a 

tightly constrained area above the ceiling and 

below the slab. Where they were exposed – elements 

had to look polished, clean and thought-out 

because they would be close to the occupants. 


“Our partners, the engineering firm Flack & Kurtz 

and the construction manager Structure Tone, as 

well as others, had to be on board with the entire program. 

We achieved the six-month schedule because 

everyone worked together and made decisions in our 

best interest.” —Chris Laul, senior principal, HOK 

p Staff can gather in the large, central cafe … 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

7 

p …or any number of flexible work areas designed to enhance collaboration 


p The focus for the new facility was to emphasize the architectural 

studio culture for the office’s 160 employees 


To meet the aggressive six-month schedule, Structure Tone’s Marc 

Albanese and Arash Yaghoubi utilized BIM and worked closely 

with Flack & Kurtz (MEP engineer) and subcontractors to coordinate 

installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. 

Structure Tone brought subcontractors into the project early and 

facilitated the design process. 

The mechanical, electrical and plumbing subcontractors worked 

alongside the designers to fully design and coordinate the project 

in just six weeks prior to construction start. Consolidating the 

design process into a single phase (that included constructability 

reviews using a 3D model) enabled 

decisions to be made immediately and 

incorporated into the model on the spot 

– resolving challenges digitally, rather 

than in the field. 

“ B y c o m p l e t i n g t h e d e s i g n a n d 

constructability review in a record six 

weeks, and because the architects 

continued to work on site during 

construction with the Structure Tone 

team (Don Rodenheiser, project manager; 

Eric Pellegrino, superintendent; 

Beth Siegel, estimator) we were able 

to meet HOK’s move-in date without 

compromising quality,” commented 

Peter Walshe, account executive. 

Fresh Ideas 

Along with many design innovations, 

achieving LEED Platinum certification 

in an existing, older building required 

concerted efforts from the entire team. Structure Tone created 

and managed the indoor air quality (IAQ) plan. An important 

part of the IAQ plan was the isolation of the office’s plan desk 

and model shop. These areas were provided with a separate 

exhaust system with regulated pressure, which required specialized 

HVAC ventilation equipment and electrical systems. 

For example, a large particle collector captures noxious fumes 

and dust to isolate them from the rest of the office environment. 

This air filtration system is tied to an occupancy sensor 

that turns on when someone enters the room. 

Structure Tone also managed construction waste. Our plan 

assured that over 75% of construction waste was diverted 

from landfills. 

Complete Thought 

Bright and open with a variety of different meeting areas to allow 

for an enhanced architectural studio culture, the loft-like interior 

includes 10 private offices and a flexible arrangement of workstations 

for 160 employees. Staff can gather in the large centralized 

café, or collectively review material samples in the 

resource library, under eight separate lighting scenarios. “This 

office provides HOK with a means of communicating our core 

values to our clients and the community,” said HOK New York’s 

managing principal, Carl Galioto. Connected by an enthusiasm 

for ideas from the start, the expert team created a testament to 

smart design, innovative construction, state-of-the-art technology 

and conservation. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

8 

Mission Accomplished 

in Europe and distributed out of Boston. The 

plan called for the lights to arrive on site 

shortly before occupancy and, just in case, 

our team had a contingency plan in place. We 

installed temporary emergency lights so the 

office could pass inspection and the Certificate 

of Occupancy would not be delayed. 

After the successful inspection, the frameless 

lights arrived and were installed in the homestretch—just 

two days prior to move-in. 

“The new office is so much more functional than 

the old. The sweeping views of the nearby golf 

course and the colorful accents throughout the 

space are a welcome change. Structure Tone 

Southwest delivered a quality project with a tight 

schedule and managed the process flawlessly.” 

—Sherman Tapley, project manager, CBRE 

p Modern, bright finishes and open spaces create a collaborative, first-class work space 

for CBRE in San Antonio 

With our extensive experience working with CBRE in 

Texas and across the country, Structure Tone recently 

completed CBRE’s new San Antonio office. Known for 

providing innovative real estate solutions, CBRE counted on 

Structure Tone Southwest to provide innovative construction solutions. 

And, in a record time of nine weeks, the 8,000sf office 

at 200 Concord Plaza made it across the finish line on time. 

Consisting of open workstations, seven private offices, several 

conference rooms and support areas, the finished space is bright 

and modern. Situated near the workstations are two meeting 

areas finished with a glass writing surface (similar to a white 

board), encouraging employees to gather for group brainstorming. 

Support areas include a break room and pantry; the 

break room features soundproof phone booths—allowing busy 

CBRE brokers to take client phone calls while on a coffee break! 

As with many projects, long lead items were a potential hurdle. 

The design featured XAL light fixtures, which are manufactured 

Another potential schedule hitch was the tile 

and countertop material for the high-end 

lobby. Required to match the reception desk 

countertop, the initially specified tile was not available in time 

for installation and our team evaluated the best alternative while 

keeping pace with the schedule. 

“We took a proactive approach to finding an alternate tile for 

the lobby, working alongside Jack Carson (Carson Design),” 

explained Art Serna, project manager. “After reviewing several 

different options, we were able to work with a local distributor, 

Stone Solutions, Inc., so the schedule was not compromised.” 

In addition to the high-end lobby, the new space boasts elaborate 

detailing throughout. Many of the details stem from the 

materials. Wood paneling, for example, is set horizontally and 

matches the aluminum reveals separating the panels. “Everything 

is lined up in the design, and that level of detail requires a 

lot of upfront planning with custom made products,” explained 

Serna, who attributed the project’s success to veteran superintendents 

Patrick Mazurek and Tom Crenwelge. “The detail, quality 

and schedule could not have been achieved without them.” 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

9 

O Canada! 

©Tom Arban 

Interior Design: Bartlett & Associates 

p The new lobby of Edelman’s 20,000sf Toronto office 

p Patio entrance in the Edelman office 

©Tom Arban 


The traditions, history and spectacular 

natural beauty of Canada 

were the center of world media attention 

with the July visit of Prince William 

and Kate Middleton. Canada has also 

been a focus for Structure Tone recently, 

albeit with a dash less fanfare than the 

Duke and Duchess generated! 

At the request of several clients, and as 

part of our Global Services project delivery, 

Structure Tone has moved 

north. Recently, we have engaged 

in approximately a dozen assignments 

(totaling over $20M) for 

clients such as Edelman, Cisco, 

Marsh & McLennan Companies, 

Thomson Reuters and others—all 

with whom we have 

master service agreements. 

ST Tech Services, a Structure Tone 

organization company, is a registered 

company in Ontario, Manitoba 

and Alberta, where we serve 

as construction manager (CM), 

managing both the project and the 

general contracting (GC) services of 

a local firm (GovanBrown in 

Canada). This delivery model has 

enabled us to serve clients in any city 

in the US (1,000 + to date), offering our 

clients a uniform standard of project 

planning, execution and quality regardless 

of a project’s location. This unique 

“Our experience working with the Structure 

Tone organization was extremely positive. 

They worked collaboratively with all of the 

other partners involved in our project and 

delivered the project on time and on budget.” 

—Mario Cordeiro, CFO, Edelman Canada 

©Tom Arban 


p An outdoor patio is one of the unique, 

employee-centric features of Edelman’s 

Toronto office 

service offering specifically meets the 

robust needs of our clients seeking strategic 

ways to support global real estate 

portfolios—where a key to successful 

management of that portfolio lies in 

the consistent application of design and 

construction standards, processes and 

procedures. Working as our clients’ advocate, 

and entrusted with helping them 

meet strategic KPI, we: 

provide comprehensive benchmarking 

of project cost and cycle time 

across all project assignments 

support our client’s objectives to 

demonstrate continuous improvement 

in all areas of performance 

create a single point of contact for 

a given client who manages every 

assignment for that account 

standardize budgeting, invoicing, 

reporting and close-out 

maximize supply chain management 

evolve predictable metrics and 

real-time measurement tools 

The value of these contributions to a homogenous 

worldwide construction and 

facility management process led our 

clients to ask if we could extend our service 

across national borders. Our commitment 

to being a trusted partner, both to 

our clients and to the country of Canada, 

made our response an unequivocal 

yes…even if the world press wasn’t there 

to make it headline news! 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

10 

Bridging the Gap 

Bringing together more than 600 employees previously situated 

in multiple locations, Denbury Resources Inc. now 

has a new 375,000sf LEED Silver headquarters in Plano, 

TX and our Dallas office served as general contractor. In collaboration 

with KDC Real Estate Development & Investments (owner 

and construction manager) and Gensler Dallas (architect), the 

project team built a space that not only closed the physical distance 

between staff, but also created a physical extension of the 

independent oil and natural gas company’s corporate culture. 

“The entire Structure Tone team performed outstanding in both 

their quality of work as well as the professionalism they exhibited. 

The project was completed on time, even with scope changes, unexpected 

field conditions and the holiday season.” —Phil Rykhoek, 

CEO, Denbury Resources Inc. 

First Impressions 

Denbury’s goal was to create a state-of-the-art, bright and inviting 

home for its staff. From the suspended glass ceiling in the 

lobby that reflects the LED color-kinetic lighting to the 2,000lb 

jumbotron in the boardroom, every measure was taken to meet 

21st century business needs. (The jumbotron is eight feet in diameter 

with six 40-inch LED monitors.) 

The new headquarters, comprised of three buildings, consists of 

general and executive office space, executive boardroom, training 

rooms, full cafeteria/servery and kitchen, high density file 

rooms, and a tier II data center and server room. Other finishes 

include book-matched marble walls, glass mosaic backsplashes, 

fabric wall-panels and wood ceilings. 

During the demolition stage, it was quickly discovered that the existing 

floor slabs were uneven in some areas. “When the existing 

floor tiles were removed, it left multiple varying levels of floor 

slab that looked like the surface of the moon,” commented Ben 

Drain, superintendent. “From that point on, we focused on a solution, 

working closely with Gensler.” 

Heavy Lifting 

With an average of 300 workers on-site daily and totaling over 

450,000 man-hours, no lost time accidents occurred and the 

team successfully installed: 

over 1,600lbs of copper (1.5 miles) 

1,425-tons of A/C, enough to cool 475 households 

over 671,000sf of sheetrock, approximately 1,500,000lbs 

p The elegant, open and warm lobby of Denbury Resources’ newly consolidated HQ sets the tone for the entire 375,000sf space 

Heinsight Photography 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

11 


Walk This Way 


p A 2,000lb jumbotron is a unique feature in Denbury’s ultramodern 

boardroom 

Seeking to connect two buildings so their staff could move easily 

back and forth, Denbury approved the team’s recommendation 

to convert a mechanical mezzanine to a connector bridge. 

This entailed creating a vertical cavity to provide space for the 

light fixtures and repositioning a mechanical and electrical room 

to create a space that staff can pass through safely. 

Bridging the gap between near and far, outdated and modern, 

the Structure Tone Southwest team and its partners succeeded in 

helping Denbury both reaffirm its commitment to staff and mark 

its presence in the rapidly changing business world. “From start to 

finish, this was a collaborative effort between KDC, Structure Tone 

Southwest, Denbury and Gensler. I’m very proud of everyone for 

working together to develop solutions that allowed us to both keep 

pace with the aggressive 16-week schedule and achieve Denbury’s 

vision,” said Steve Gosling, senior project manager. 

Not Missing a Beat 

ON THE HEELS of completing Denbury Resources, the Dallas team 

began a 484,600sf project for Fossil, a leading jewelry, clothing 

and accessories retailer. Fossil is relocating its headquarters, including 

its global data center operations, to Richardson, TX and 

Structure Tone Southwest is building out the space. Work encompasses 

interior renovation, core and shell renovations, and 

minor site improvements. Construction met substantial completion 

in only 13 weeks, including exterior modifications! That 

equals almost $2.5 million of construction in place each week. 

This was accomplished with extensive collaboration with Fossil, 

Jones Lang LaSalle (owner’s rep), KDC Real Estate Development 

& Investments (landlord) and Corgan Associates, Inc. (architect) 

– and the herculean efforts of our construction team. 

NY Mentors 

Dennis Murray, Dan Finnegan, Harold Maierle and Peter Walshe 

participated in the ACE (Architects, Constructors, Engineers) Mentor 

Program of Greater New York and mentored a team of 20 high 

school students to the national finals. Officially known as ACE Team 8, the 

group was one of three national finalists from NYC (of 37 entries). The 

group met weekly to develop its project, which was ultimately presented to 

a distinguished panel of Construction User Roundtable (CURT) members 

in Washington, DC. 

Mike Neary, COO of Structure Tone NY, is a member of ACE GNY board 

of directors. Prior to the national competition, he 

and the other Team 8 mentors participated in ACE 

GNY’s 16th annual scholarship luncheon, which 

raised $290,500 and awarded 68 scholarships. 

ACE’s mission is to engage, excite and enlighten 

high school students to pursue careers in the integrated 

design and construction industry through 

mentoring and to support their advancement 

p (L to R): Mike Neary, Dennis 

Murray and Peter Walshe (all 

Structure Tone) at the ACE GNY 

Scholarship Luncheon 

through scholarships and grants. Student members of ACE Team 8 

p 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

12 

A Perfect 10 

Our Hong Kong office is celebrating 

a very auspicious occasion—our 

10th anniversary. Since opening 

in 2001, we have delivered over 

3,500,000sf, primarily to US and UK businesses 

performing work abroad. Structure 

Tone Asia provides our clients with a 

unique blend of local, in-country expertise 

augmented by 40 years of US and UK 

construction standards and practices. 

“Our first 10 years providing construction 

fit-out services in Asia have been quite 

successful,” noted Mike Kavanagh, managing 

director, Asia. “We began thanks 

to the trust placed in us by core Structure 

Tone multi-national clients. Through quality 

project delivery, and by embracing our 

role as a trusted advisor for our clients 

‘abroad,’ we have grown a stable, reputable 

business. I have a feeling that our 

next 10 years will be dramatic in growth 

and change.” 

The 

sophisticated 

Fitness First 

facility in 

Hopewell 

Centre, Hong 

Kong is a 

state-of-theart 

gym and 

health 

complex 

p (L to R): Dean Manning, Robert Mullen, 

David Lamburn, Mike Kavanagh and Brett 

Phillips – all Structure Tone – at the 10th 

anniversary celebration at the Azure Bar & 

Restaurant, Hotel LKF, Hong Kong 

In both natural and manmade order (our 

fingers and toes the decimal system, respectively), 

10 is the start of a whole new 

order of numbers and the culmination of 

the numbers that come before it. Ten is 

the ideal fulcrum upon which we can look 

back, as well as ahead. Ten implies completeness 

of order and a perfect center— 

much as we feel about our past and 

future progress in Asia. 

Structure Tone Asia has a new location in Shanghai, China at CITIC Square, 

1168 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

13 

Raising the Bar 

In the case of the New Jersey State 

Bar Foundation (NJSBF) versus the 

outdated New Brunswick facility in 

which it resided, the final verdict is in. After 

an extensive renovation by Structure 

Tone’s Lyndhurst office, the 22-year-old 

Law Center was transformed into a modern, 

state-of-the-art institution—a huge 

victory for NJBSF, WG Project Management 

(owner’s rep), the residents of New 

Jersey, Structure Tone and NK Architects. 

Motion to Modernize 

NJSBF, the charitable and educational 

foundation of the New Jersey State Bar 

Association, believed New Jersey residents 

deserved a new, top-notch facility 

and our team accepted the challenge. 

With a complete understanding of 

NJBSF’s goals, the project team developed 

a detailed project schedule and performed 

value management due diligence 

in order to work within the budget. 

Encompassing 45,000sf across two 

floors, the Law Center now boasts five 

conference rooms with video-conferencing 

capabilities, hotel-style workstations 

in the visitors’ lounge and hospitality bar, 

new flat-screen TVs, a new mock trial 

courtroom and a welcome center lobby. 

Renovations to the Wilentz Auditorium entailed 

installing an updated sound system, 

environmentally sensitive lighting and a 

permanent stage. 

Daily Operations Sustained 

Committed to offering legal education 

programs, meetings, seminars and social 

events, the Law Center remained fully operational 

during construction. Our team 

organized the work into five strategic 

phases, and project manager Robert 

Furnari and superintendent Joe MacInnes 

ensured that conference rooms and public 

areas were always available to accommodate 

visitors. 

“Due to the nature of the facility, which 

accommodates groups of adults and children 

(an average 175 to 225 daily visitors 

and 325 children attending mock trials 

during a month), safety and logistics 

were evaluated every day,” commented 

Robert Furnari. Daily communication and 

precise scheduling resulted in construction 

being performed in a safe, timely 

manner without disturbing operations— 

even when we installed new workstations 

and reception desks and 55 new VAVs located 

above desks. 

The Verdict Is In 

Complete with 21st century communications 

technology, including WiFi capability 

and online storage of educational 

seminars, as well as a beautiful interior 

featuring cherry wood crown moldings 

and wood veneer wall coverings, the Law 

Center now better meets the needs of 

those it serves. And NJSBF’s mission—to 

Photo: June Pascocello 

p Renovation of the NJSBF facility in New Brunswick transformed the 22-year-old facility to 

a modern complex featuring the latest in A/V and communications technologies, as well as a 

sophisticated interior 

foster an increased awareness, appreciation 

and knowledge of law and the legal 

system—has extended its reach and 

broadened its appeal to New Jersey 

residents. “We would like to thank the 

Structure Tone team for delivering the 

top-notch facility we envisioned,” said 

Angela C. Scheck, executive director, New 

Jersey State Bar Foundation. 

“The Structure Tone team did a great job 

of managing the complex architectural and 

technical requirements of this project while 

accommodating the need for NJSBF to continue 

full business operations throughout 

the project schedule.” —Steven Waehler, principal, 

WG Project Management 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

14 

Knowing the Ropes 

p Ropes & Gray, LLP’s stunning new 475,000sf, LEED Gold Boston HQ is a premier office 

environment for both employees and clients, as well as an achievement in sustainability 

combined with beauty, functionality and collegiality 

In construction and in the courtroom, 

an ounce of preparation is worth a 

pound of cure. And successfully delivering 

an environmentally responsible, 

state-of-the-art headquarters was significantly 

facilitated by thorough preconstruction 

phase planning. Joining forces 

with VVA (owner’s rep), Gensler (architect) 

and TMP Consulting Engineers (MEP engineer), 

our Boston office recently completed 

construction of the 475,000sf, 

LEED Gold headquarters at Prudential 

Tower for Ropes & Gray, LLP, a leading 

global law firm. 

“With demolition and construction being 

performed simultaneously across 15 full 

floors and 2 partial floors in a 52-story 

occupied building, our team knew that 

focus, innovative thinking and out-of-thebox 

planning would ultimately be the keys 

to success for the project,” commented 

Ryan Caffyn-Parsons, account executive. 

Over the course of the 10-month preconstruction 

period, we engaged in intense 

planning sessions that included detailed 

Photo: Christopher Barrett 

budgeting as the documents developed, 

constructability assessment, mock-up construction 

and logistical evaluation. With 

the Prudential Tower being located above 

the Prudential Shopping Center, the project 

was extremely high profile with zero 

margin for error during construction, as 

any impact to tenants and the public 

would have been significant. 

“Despite the significant scope and scale of the 

project, all of the elements of design were well 

planned and carefully orchestrated. Our new 

headquarters represents our commitment to 

sustainability, modern technology, open 

communication and first-rate facilities for the 

firm and its clients.” —Christopher Petryshin, 

senior facilities manger, Ropes & Gray, LLP 

Designed to feature private offices for 

partners and associates—while maximizing 

natural light and outside views—practice 

floors boast glass-fronted perimeter 

offices, allowing light to pour into the 

interior (administrative) core of the building. 

The stunning interior also features 

practice floors on 16 levels, a state-ofthe-art 

conference center featuring more 

than 30 conference rooms, two telepresence 

rooms, catering servery stations, 

and an amenities floor that includes a 

large multi-purpose room accommodating 

245 people and a full service café 

and kitchen. 

Whether building an office or building a 

case, every detail matters to achieve the 

desired result. For the conference center, 

a key detail was minimizing noise infiltration. 

Thus, all HVAC equipment was installed 

outside of the conference rooms, 

running along the corridors and into the 

floor’s newly built mechanical room. Both 

the conference center and amenities 

floors are served by an independent system 

capable of 24/7 cooling. 

Additional workplace efficiencies that improve 

communication and reduce the 

need for travel include teleconferencing 

rooms with state-of-the-art video conferencing 

technology that allows meetings 

across several time zones. Loaded with 

power and data, flex rooms can easily 

change usage ratios—as well as transition 

from document processing, to case 

rooms, to meeting rooms—with a quick 

adjustment of furniture. 

Planning, training and good old-fashioned 

vigilance also contributed to a 

major project achievement of 370,000 

man-hours with zero lost time accidents. 

All of the success of the schedule and 

quality of construction would be insignificant 

without this milestone. 

Many ounces of preparation (ok, maybe 

a few pounds!), coupled with smart, sophisticated 

design, brought Ropes & 

Gray’s dynamic new headquarters successfully 

to life. And with a reputation for 

high-quality work and the highest standards 

of service and ethics, the 146 yearold-law 

firm—now equipped with 21st 

century space—is prepared for many 

more years of success. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

15 

Ears Wide Open 

p Open plan space is a key feature of Scotiabank’s new office 

BabyOlive, Photography 

BabyOlive, Photography 

ACuban proverb says: ”Listening looks easy, but it's not 

simple. Every head is a world.” And listening was our London 

team’s first step in approaching a 40,000sf fit-out for 

Scotiabank in a multi-tenanted, occupied building at 201 Bishopsgate 

in London. 

“Understanding our client’s vision for their space and their business 

drivers for project delivery enabled us to put together a programme 

(schedule) that fulfilled the whole team’s aspirations,” 

noted Kevin Mulligan, project executive. 

Scotiabank’s main challenges demanded the highest levels of 

planning and execution. These included: 

Reduction of the overall construction period from 21 to 19 

weeks 

Completion of a 24-hr operational computer room six weeks 

prior to overall practical project completion, requiring the 

main plant supporting the computer room to be lifted from 

one of Lon don’s main arterial roads, a process typically involving 

12 weeks of engagement with local and emergency authorities 

to obtain lift approval but that Structure Tone completed 

within six weeks 

Installation of a plant to support Scotiabank’s data centre 

via generator and UPS power, cooled by continuous-run 

and standby chillers feeding cold aisle overhead XDP units 

and ambient under floor CRAC units 

Commencement of live environment-testing 153 trading 

positions two weeks prior to practical project completion 

Our success was accomplished by owning Scotiabank’s business 

drivers and tenaciously following through on delivery. Partnering 

was a priority right from the start, encompassing the architect, 

Gensler; cost consultant and project manager, GTMS; and 

M&E consultant, Troup Bywaters & Anders – as well as Scotiabank 

and our own Structure Tone team. 

As the old saying goes, appearances can be deceptive – and our 

expert team made it look easy – both the listening and the fit-out! 

Through the collaborate efforts of the entire team, we were able 

to successfully address the key challenges and deliver to the demanding 

deadlines. 

“Thanks to the whole Structure Tone team for your efforts on 

our project. Your on-time delivery of the project – given its 

challenges, complexity and the tight timeliness – was very 

impressive,” commented John Mallovy, Scotiabank Real Estate. 

At-a-Glance 

153 Trading Positions 

Conference Facilities with A/V 

Open Plan Offices 

Print and Copy Zones 

Kitchen Prep Areas 

Demountable Partitions 

Specialist General Joinery 

Plasterboard/Demountable/Dacoustic Ceilings 

Travertine Floor in Conference Suite 

Specialist Lighting 

Skyfold Retractable Wall System 

Geze Sliding Door 

Independent UPS & Generator Back-Up 

Roof-mounted Generator & Chillers 

p A variety of high-end finishes punctuate Scotiabank’s space 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

16 

Acts of Green 

The Structure Tone organization is committed to sustainability, 

annually celebrating STO Green Day—an event 

dedicated to raising awareness of what we can do as individuals 

and, collectively as an organization, to protect our 

natural planet and improve the world for future generations. The 

annual event endeavors to enlighten, inform and enable our employees 

to make a personal commitment to sustainability both in 

their work environment and personal lives. 

As part of the 2011 Green Day festivities, each office participated 

in a service project, lending time and expertise to benefit 

our local communities. The projects ranged from donating musical 

instruments to educating school children about the environment 

to cleaning up local parks. Our offices’ efforts and cash 

contributions (from raffles) supported a range of local non-profit 

organizations including: The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway 

Conservancy, Sara D. Roosevelt Park (through the New York Junior 

League), the Woodland Trust, Bergen County Audubon Society 

and the Clean Water Act of NJ. 

In addition to service and education, a highlight of STO Green 

Day is the annual poster contest for children and grandchildren 

of STO employees. The contest provides an opportunity for adults 

to talk to the children in their lives about the environment and for 

children to artistically express what planet earth means to them. 

Our talented and earth-loving children submitted posters that illustrated 

their unique perspective and artistry. The following were 

winners in each age group. 

p Members of the Boston team spent the day helping “spring clean” 

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Park, beautifying the mile-long stretch 

of land throughout the city 

KINDERGARTEN AND YOUNGER 

Patrick Murray, son of Dennis 

Murray, Structure Tone, New 

York, NY 

THIRD THROUGH FIFTH GRADE 

Kyle Ropski, son of Stan Ropski, 

L.F. Driscoll, Philadelphia, PA 

p In Dallas, subcontractors at the Fossil headquarters project 

enjoyed a lunch-n-learn session hosted by Structure Tone to educate 

attendees on the eco-friendly measures employed on the project 

FIRST AND SECOND GRADE 

Annie Kate White, daughter of 

John White, Jr., Structure Tone, 

Lyndhurst, NJ 

SIXTH THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE 

AND GRAND PRIZE WINNER 

Matthew Lydon, son of Ed Lydon, 

Pavarini McGovern, New York, NY 

p In London, it was literally Green Day and all field staff wore green 

hard hats in honor of the festivities 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

17 

p Also in London, to sustain our appetites and the environment, 

the office held a bake sale to raise money in support of the 

Woodland Trust, an organization committed to planting native 

trees throughout the city 

p Teaming up with the New York Junior League, the New York offices 

of Structure Tone and Pavarini McGovern donated all the supplies to 

renovate Sara D. Roosevelt Park and staff also donated their time 

during the beautification and spent a day painting and planting 

p With limited public transportation options, the employees of 

our Lyndhurst office drive to work each day and during Green Day, 

Go Green Car Wash provided a water-free car cleaning to employees 

In Washington, DC 

employees spent an 

afternoon identifying and 

marking the storm water 

drains, encouraging 

pedestrians to keep them 

clean and to not dump 

waste into the drains. Also, 

the group adopted their 

new office block. They are 

responsible for keeping the 

city informed of required 

maintenance and 

initiating a general clean 

up several times a year 

p 

Come See Us at Greenbuild 2011, 

Toronto, Canada 

Booth No. 1301N 

p The children of the Lyndhurst employees enjoyed an afternoon at 

Richard W. DeKorte Park learning about migratory birds and the 

importance of the Meadowlands ecosystem 

AS CORPORATE ADVOCATES for social responsibility, Structure 

Tone is a leader in the field of sustainable construction. 

In 2006, we built our first three LEED-certified 

spaces. In five short years that number has grown exponentially. 

Today, we have more than 125 projects in 

various stages from preconstruction to occupancy totaling 

more than 15,000,000sf. LEED registered projects 

account for 30% of our annual construction 

volume put-in-place. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

18 

Game Changer 

In the NFL, Special Teams are the third 

weapon. Special Teams’ plays are 

quick and require the skills of a dedicated, 

highly specialized group with an 

(often) singular focus. More and more, 

Special Teams are an essential component 

of a franchise’s key to clinching victories. 

For Structure Tone, victory is achieving the 

utmost in client service—regardless of the 

size or complexity of a project. And, much 

like winning NFL teams, we recognized 

the need for specialized players to meet 

the diverse demands of our clients. 

Thus, we established the Special Projects 

Division, an exclusive group dedicated to 

meeting the needs of our clients in the 

construction of smaller, detailed and often 

fast-track spaces, typically ranging from 

1,000–20,000sf. Seasoned professionals, 

ready to respond to demanding schedules 

and efficiently coordinate challenging 

scope requirements, provide hands-on 

management and personalized service 

specifically for projects of this scale. 

“The Structure Tone special projects team 

has successfully delivered our projects on 

almost impossible project timelines and 

consistently on budget.” —Jude Duffy, 

office coordinator, Boston Consulting Group 

A recent project for Boston Consulting 

Group (BCG) at 430 Park Avenue 

required the services of this team for a 

series of renovations. “Focused planning 

and understanding BCG’s daily operational 

needs before construction began 

set the stage for the team to deliver the 

multi-floor project on an accelerated 

schedule,” commented Henry Mack, vice 

president of special projects division. 

We worked closely with Gensler (architect) 

to ensure the functional workspace BCG 

envisioned was constructed. Key team 

members included Ed Rowen (estimator), 

Brian Gallagher (project manager) and 

Peter Moloney (superintendent). 

The work involved expansion of the 14th 

floor, construction of an interconnecting 

p Conference room on the 12th floor 

p 12th floor reception area 

© John Baer_PDM Pictures 


stair and localized renovations on five 

floors. All floors were occupied during the 

aggressive 14-week schedule and intricate 

coordination within occupied space was required 

for riser installation and construction 

of IDF rooms and the main IT room. 

Based on the successful completion of the 

first series of renovations, BCG chose our 

team to also manage an office renovation 

on the 12th floor of 430 Park Avenue. 

This 12,000sf project was to be a 

new corporate look consisting of private 

offices, open area workstations and conference 

rooms with high-tech A/V capabilities. 

High-end finishes throughout and 

wood floors in the elevator lobby and reception 

area complete the new, special 

office space. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

19 

Deli-cate Work 

When Chevron Pipe Line 

Company (CPL), an indirect 

wholly owned subsidiary of 

Chevron Corporation (Chevron), needed 

a new commercial kitchen and servery in 

its Bellaire, TX facility, our Houston office 

was chosen to manage the construction. 

With safety at the forefront of every endeavor 

for Chevron, our team understood 

what it took to perform construction and 

install commercial grade equipment in 

the occupied 11-story building. 

“Chevron was very pleased to partner with 

Structure Tone in the Chevron Kitchen & 

Servery project. Their professionalism, 

highest standards of performance and 

flawless execution attributed greatly to the 

successful completion of this project on-time 

and with top-notch safety. All project goals 

were achieved to Chevron’s satisfaction and 

we look forward to working with Structure 

Tone on other projects.” —Maria Marshall, 

project manager, Chevron Business and Real 

Estate Services 

Working closely with Chevron and HOK 

(architect), the project was completed ontime, 

within budget and with zero lost 

time accidents. “From crane coordination 

for the removal and installation of large 

equipment to every detail of scheduling 

Image Courtesy of Chevron 

p Creating a modern new kitchen and 

servery for Chevron was not a piece of cake 

working in the center of an occupied floor 

for the interior work, our team remained 

focused,” commented project manager 

Tom Gore. 

The kitchen and servery was constructed 

in the center of the fourth floor, an area 

surrounded by occupied conference 

rooms and the dining room. The team 

submitted detailed plans to Chevron one 

week prior to each activity to ensure 

building staff were properly notified of 

upcoming construction activities. 

Project elements included new finishes 

and equipment and removal and replacement 

of all existing plumbing, transformers 

and switchgear. The finishes included 

tile floors, stainless steel and glass 

tile walls, large format porcelain floor, 

bamboo millwork panels and quartz 

countertops on the servery island and 

other areas. Major equipment installed 

included state-of-the-art commercial 

grade kitchen equipment, an 8,000gal 

grease trap in the outside parking lot and 

two hot water boilers (150gal and 

300gal) on the roof. 

All old plumbing was removed from a 15- 

inch interstitial floor space for installation 

of the new system. Substantial saw-cutting 

was performed to create hatches for system 

maintenance, coring for the new system 

and removal of the existing system. 

Working in occupied space – and delivering 

highly customized functionality within 

that space –requires a delicate touch. This 

velvet glove treatment, even for industrial 

spaces like commercial kitchens, is a core 

specialty of Structure Tone embraced by 

our veteran professionals. 

“Carefully working within the interstitial 

space to install the new plumbing system 

and ensuring the integrity of the fourth 

floor was crucial to the project,” commented 

superintendant Rollie Kunc. “The 

team worked hard to deliver top quality 

results for Chevron and ensure that everyone 

in or around the building during construction 

remained safe at all times. We 

are quite proud of this little gem.” 

It’s only Natural 

Jennifer Taranto, LEED AP, Structure Tone’s director of sustainability and chair of the 

Board of Directors for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Massachusetts Chapter, participated 

in an evening of educating people on how to live an organic life. Hosted at 

the New York Junior League headquarters, Jenn offered ideas on how to incorporate 

sustainability practices into one’s home and workplace. The 

volunteer forum benefited those interested in living a more 

sustainable lifestyle and those interested in making important 

changes to benefit planet Earth today and in the future. 

p Jennifer Taranto, LEED AP 

offering tips to green the office 

and home 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

20 

Google It 

p Nothing is commonplace about Google’s European headquarters, 

from unique open-plan office environment with a pub, games room 

and restaurant….. 

p ….to over 170 palettes and finish types….. 

Structure Tone’s Ireland office successfully delivered three simultaneous 

management contracting projects for Google 

encompassing a total 100,000sf. The projects involved the 

fit-out of creative space for Google’s European headquarter 

buildings in Dublin, including 1 Grand Canal Plaza (45,000sf), 

Eastpoint (33,000sf), and Grand Mill Quay (22,000sf). We were 

familiar with 1 Grand Canal Plaza having previously undertaken 

fit-out work there for Pfizer in 2003. 

The project set a new benchmark in terms of creative and stimulating 

work environments led by Camenzind Evolution (architects), 

Henry J Lyons (local architects), Gardiner & Theobald 

1 Grand Canal Plaza–Dublin 

45,000sf fast-track demolition and fit-out over 

7 floors in 14 weeks 

Reception area 

Ground floor work environment 

High specification open plan office environment with 

unique breakout spaces 

New M&E systems including VRF system and fully 

exposed ceiling and services 

Acoustically treated meeting rooms 

High quality finishes throughout, including 

approximately 170 different palettes and finish types 

Library to echo Trinity College Dublin’s historic Long 

Hall Library 

Irish pub called “Shaven Yak” 

Fully fitted music and games room 

Restaurant 

p ….to a library paying homage to one of the most renowned in Dublin 

(project managers) and Axis Engineering (consulting engineers). 

Noted Conor MacCabe, director at Henry J Lyons, “Structure 

Tone’s early and positive engagement with the design team— 

and the development of a common sense of purpose spanning 

the client direct contractors, the trade contractors and the business—helped 

Camenzind Evolution and ourselves successfully 

deliver some quite unusual and innovative design concepts within 

a very tight timeframe, made tighter by the worst Irish winter in 

generations—all while maintaining a positive attitude and making 

it a project that was a pleasure to work on.” 

Running parallel to the 1 Grand Canal Plaza project were the 

Grand Mill Quay (GMQ) and Eastpoint projects. The GMQ 

entailed fit-out of the ground and 1st floors and refurbishment 

of the existing premises. The 20,000sf space was completed 

in seven weeks and included offices, meeting rooms, 

breakout areas and open plan space—all to Google’s stimulating 

standards. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

21 

Top Honors 

Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel – Pavarini McGovern 

Greater NY Construction User Council (GNYCUC) 

Hotel & Residences Hospitality Project of the Year 

The team accepting the Greater NY Construction User Council (GNYCUC) Hospitality Project of the Year Award (L to R): Robert 

Laudenschlager, SLCE Architects LLP; Robert Gwathmey and Greg Karn, Gwathmey Siegel Architects; Anthony Cosenza, Pavarini 

McGovern (project manager); Giuseppe Rossi and Andrus Laurits, Bizzi & Partners Development LLC 

Exceptional Safety and Quality Standards Liberty Award – L.F. Driscoll 

The Liberty Chapter of Philadelphia 

International Code Council 

(L to R): Perry Cocco, L+I West District Supervisor presents award to Ken Innella, vice 

president, L.F. Driscoll 

Denbury Resources – Structure Tone Southwest, Dallas 

TEXO 

Distinguished Building Award 

The Denbury project team (L to R Back Row): Leif Pearson, Ben Drain, 

Wayne Scribner, Doug Carvan, Leslie O'Rear, Billy Franklin, Jason 

French (L to R Front Row): Dale Davis, John King, Steve Gosling, 

Roger Porter, Moss Kines, Randal Navis – all Structure Tone Southwest 

Cathedral of Hope – Structure Tone Southwest, Dallas 

TEXO 

Distinguished Building Award 

The Cathedral of Hope project team (L to R): Dennis Naylor, Moss 

Kines, Mike McNulty, Collin Scott (holding the trophy), Celeste Turner 

and Mike Macaluso – all Structure Tone Southwest 

ConocoPhillips Transportation Control Center – Structure Tone Southwest, 

Dallas 

SPIRIT of Performance Award for Excellence in Safety, People, 

Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation and Teamwork 

(L to R): Matt Mazurek and David Angelo with the SPIRIT Award 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

22 

Captiol Improvements 

Our Washington, DC office 

recently completed construction 

of Siemens Corporation’s 

20,000sf office located in downtown 

Washington, DC. Aligned with Siemens’ 

sustainability values, the premier industrial 

corporation’s new office was built to 

LEED Silver standards and is currently 

pursuing certification. 

The space was designed by Lehman 

Smith McLeish (architect) and clean-lined 

interior finishes, a variety of adjustable 

hoteling space/work surfaces and the latest 

communications technology comprise 

the functional, yet beautiful, office. Areas 

constructed include private offices for 

senior executives and corporate staff 

groups, open workstations, boardroom, 

conference rooms, reception area, lobby 

and pantry. 

Our team managed construction of numerous 

high-end and technical spaces, 

Courtesy Lehman Smith McLeish 

ensuring we achieved the quality craftsmanship 

and attention to detail required air and collaborative corporate space 

p The clean, classic design of Siemens’ LEED Silver Washington, DC space emphasizes light, 

by the design. Executive offices were fitout 

with full-height glass partitions. The 

boardroom and conferencing spaces were finished with fabric 

wrapped panels and A/V wall displays and a MicroTile interactive 

screen was installed in reception. For this, we worked closely 

with CMS Audio Visual (A/V consultant). 

In addition to the interior fit-out, the project encompassed structural, 

mechanical and electrical work. We performed structural 

modifications to the glass curtainwall, installed linear florescent 

lights throughout the work stations and installed new VAV boxes 

around the perimeter of the office. 

Effectively managing the schedule was essential to ultimately delivering 

the bright, sophisticated and environmentally responsible 

space to Siemens on time. We worked within a tight 

eight-week schedule. One of the key components to success was 

securing on-time delivery of custom items such as marble and 

UniFor furniture, both from Italy. 

The Jersey Avenue offices of Siemens have always boasted gorgeous 

views of the Capitol. With the completion of this renovation, 

the interior views are equally spectacular, as well as 

eco-friendly. 

STAFF FROM THE WASHINGTON, DC 

office recently participated in the 

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 

(JDRF) Real Estate Games 

at American University. More than 

1,700 people from the region's 

developers, brokers, architects, 

builders and investors participated 

in and competed against 

one another in the all-day 

Olympic-style sporting event. 

The event raised funds for JDRF 

to support research and researchbased 

education to find a cure 

for juvenile diabetes. 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

23 

Community Spirit 

Relay for Life 

Our Princeton (NJ) office participated in the Relay for Life. 

The event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society to 

celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember 

loved ones lost and raise awareness. Because cancer 

never sleeps, the relay took place overnight from 

5pm—7am. The team camped out at Hamilton YMCA and 

took turns walking or running around the track. 

Staff and their families (some in pjs!) from our Princeton (NJ) 

office participating in the Relay for Life 

JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge 

Structure Tone NY staff hit the ground running at the 35th 

annual JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge where 940 

companies celebrated fitness and camaraderie in NYC’s 

Central Park. The 5K run raises funds for the Central Park 

Conservancy, which restores, manages and enhances the 

iconic park. 

Members of the 2011 STO Corporate Challenge team with top 

finishers Stephen Dennis (22:30) (back row 3rd from L); Eugene 

Kyne (26:18) (back row 1st from L); Ashley Campbell (29:55) 

( front row 3rd from R); and Joanna Zukowska (34:03) (back 

row 1st from R) 

Hugs from Home 

Showing support for US troops, Lyndhurst (NJ) 

staff participated in Hugs from Home—a campaign 

to send thoughtful care packages to 

troops all over the world. A “hug from home” 

is a gift tube filled with friendly notes and useful 

items. Office Furniture Partnership spearheaded 

the campaign, distributing clear plastic 

tubes and asked their customers and business 

partners to join them in sending “a hug” in 

order to show appreciation to U.S. servicemen 

and women overseas. 

p Hugs from Home gift 

tubes sent to US troops and 

our Lyndhurst Hugs team 

(L to R): Sean Galvin, Erik 

Sletteland, Barbara Marino, Kerri Decker, Bonita Thomas, 

Rosarie Grskovic and Lorena Stoppiello 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

24 

Crystal Clear 

© David Sundberg/Esto 

p Nestle Waters’ CT facility embodies the company’s core values and emphasizes sustainability in both practice and message at every turn 

It is with a ‘gentle footprint’ that 

Nestle Waters North America 

(Nestle Waters) approaches all of its 

construction projects. Work at its new 

164,000sf, LEED Gold, four-floor CT 

facility was no exception. 

Our Pavarini team in CT led the fast-track 

construction that included building a 

Town Center area with an open feature 

stair and skylights, auditorium, executive 

center, conference center and training facilities, 

pantry and coffee bar areas, cafeteria 

and kitchen, and data center. 

Exterior construction required painting the 

building and refurbishing the parking 

garage, including adding new lighting 

and curbs, paving and installing ADA 

compliant ramps. 

The Town Center is a key feature for this 

space and, with a new staircase in the 

center of each floor, the area fosters communication 

and idea-sharing. To connect 

all four floors, we began by carefully cutting 

the floors and reinforcing the steel 

and concrete structure to support the new 

staircase. The floor plates were cut using 

remote controlled “robots” as a safety 

measure. 

At the Start 

Pursuing LEED certification was an utmost 

goal and Gold was achieved! It began 

during preconstruction when our staff 

worked closely with the project team to 

identify materials and systems that could 

be utilized without impact to budget, 

schedule or design intent. Low VOC 

paints, carpet and sealants and energyrated 

appliances were chosen, as well as 

cradle-to-cradle certified furniture. The 

Town Center reception space features a 

FSA-certified wood inlay floor made from 

different species of recycled wood. 

The deconstruction phase of the project 

was another opportunity for environmentfriendly 

contributions. “Through the construction 

waste management plan, we 

were able to divert over 90% of construction 

debris from landfills, over 878 tons,” 

said Peter Costello, project superintendent. 

Energy efficiency was optimized with the 

HVAC and lighting systems. A white roof 

allows for smaller heating and air conditioning 

units and the systems are controlled 

by computers that monitor, 

maintain and reduce the building’s 

“We would like to thank Pavarini and the 

entire project team for their commitment to 

achieving our sustainability goals and for 

delivering a state-of-the-art facility. We are 

very excited to now offer the Green Tour of 

our new facility. Our staff is proud to explain 

and discuss the sustainable aspects of 

our building to school students, community 

organizations and visitors who come to 

visit.” —Rob Reifsnyder, national acquisition 

site manager, Nestle Waters 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

25 

energy use, improving air quality and 

maximizing fresh air. 

Staying Ahead 

Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work 

was a substantial part of the project, including 

state-of-the-art power, data and 

A/V systems. We refurbished an existing 

generator and installed a new one with 

uninterrupted power supply, as well as delivered 

a 1,700sf data center one month 

before occupancy. Our staff pre-tested all 

the systems. When the one weekend 

move-in was completed, the facility started 

smoothly on Monday morning. 

Best Wishes, Friend 

It was all smiles and best wishes for Frank Mullen of the Washington, DC office 

as he retired from Structure Tone after 23 years. Structure Tone colleagues and 

friends, old and new, gathered at the Occidental Grill & Seafood Restaurant in 

Washington, DC to celebrate Frank’s long tenure and wish him well in the next 

chapter of his life. 

Frank first joined the organization as a project manager in Boston. In 1990 he 

began serving on project teams for our Washington, DC office and relocated permanently 

in 1994. During his distinguished career at Structure Tone Frank worked 

on many noteworthy projects. But, perhaps most representative was the enduring 

relationship he developed with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Over many years, 

and many projects, Frank and the team at CareFirst developed a mutual abiding 

respect and deep regard for each other. 

His colleagues at Structure Tone felt similarly and his retirement was truly bittersweet. 

“Frank exemplified dedication and hard work over the years,” commented 

Greg Ferguson, COO. “We will deeply miss both his professional and personal 

contributions.” 

Frank (3rd from R, front 

row) with colleagues and 

friends from Jones Lang 

LaSalle, VOA Architects 

and one of his hallmark 

clients, CareFirst BlueCross 

BlueShield 

© David Sundberg/Esto 

p A new stair connects all four floors and is 

the unifying feature of the Town Center in 

the new office 

Being a company focused on safely supplying 

clean, pure water to the world, it is 

no surprise that a green ethos is an integral 

part of the core philosophy of Nestle 

Waters. With their dedication to sustainability, 

Nestle Waters puts this philosophy 

into (gentle) practice every day. 

Frank (center) 

celebrating with 

a bevy of well 

wishers at the 

Occidental Grill 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

26 

Perfect Translation 

Since the University of Pennsylvania and 

UPHS are leading members of the 

Philadelphia civic community, involvep 

The Translational Research Center at Penn Medicine is a world-class clinical and patient 

research facility facilitating breakthrough advancements in the understanding and treatment 

of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and neurological disease 

Construction project managers usually 

talk about schedule, logistics, 

safety or any myriad of project 

challenges. But when Ed Hanzel, senior 

project manager, was first asked about the 

Translational Research Center (TRC) at 

the Penn Medicine University of Pennsylvania 

Health System (UPHS), he 

sounded a lot more lab coat and a lot less 

hard hat—and therein is the cornerstone 

of L.F. Driscoll’s client service at UPHS. 

“The TRC bridges the gap between research 

and medicine or, as we say here, 

the lab bench and the bedside” said 

Hanzel. “Bypassing more traditional research, 

translational research uses real 

time patient data and translates breakthroughs 

in research to advanced treatments 

for patients much more quickly 

and, at Penn Medicine, all in one place.” 

L.F. Driscoll has been honored to help 

Penn Medicine (recently ranked by US 

News and World Report among the top 

ten US hospitals) meet its development, 

renovation and maintenance needs for 

over 20 years. Many things have contributed 

to the success and longevity of 

the relationship. 

Common Language 


One of those keys to success has been 

embracing both the mission and vision of 

Penn Medicine and understanding the 

strategic drivers for the project and its 

place in the core mandates of patient 

care, education and research. Noted Ken 

Innella, officer in charge, “Penn Medicine 

is one of the most sophisticated health 

systems in the US. To stay on that cutting 

edge, they are constantly driving forward, 

always envisioning the future—and that 

drives project starts. But, at the same 

time, it’s a functioning facility delivering 

patient care and performing research 

24/7/365—and that drives how we deliver 

our projects. We have to make it 

easy for them to operate as a hospital, 

not as a construction site.” 

At TRC, the logistics challenges were 

abundant: performing complex construction 

activity (literally) adjacent to delicate 

medical operations; seamlessly integrating 

construction into public spaces without 

impact to patients and visitors; 

creating and rigorously implementing 

health, safety and environmental controls 

compliant with ICRA procedures and to 

the approval of both UPHS and Pennsylvania 

Department of Health; accommodating 

100% unimpeded access to 

adjacent Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 

(CHOP) with no street closures or 

traffic disruption; coordinating with Amtrak, 

which abuts TRC on one side; planning, 

communicating and coordinating 

utility shutdowns; and many other issues. 

The 13-story, 530,000sf TRC includes: 

Wet bench clinical/patient research 

facilities 

Two vivarium floors 

Highly efficient open lab and lab 

support areas 

Offices arranged in “pods” 

promoting faculty interaction 

Conferencing and eating areas 

Classrooms and conference rooms 

Administrative and research 

support space 

250-person-capacity auditorium 

17,000sf lobby 

200sf state-of-the-art media wall 

Pursuing LEED Gold 

In addition to the logistics challenges, 

communication was a major focus of the 

TRC team, encompassing UPHS and 

UPenn facilities, maintenance and medical 

staff on a regular basis as well as faculty, 

trustees, city and state agencies and 

interested constituents. Look aheads, a 

variety of coordination meetings and 

public forums were the norm. 

Engaging Dialog 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

27 

p The Perelman Center for Advanced 

Medicine (PCAM), the Roberts Proton Therapy 

Center (RPTC) and the Translational Research 

Center (TRC) are component parts of a single 

integrated building complex that provides 

health services for patients, biomedical research 

laboratories and education space 

ment and outreach was an integral aspect 

of the project. And, as it turned out, one of 

the most enjoyable. Once construction was 

underway, the L.F. Driscoll team engaged 

in an effort aimed at local high school students. 

We created demonstration areas that 

highlighted trades/aspects of construction 

(excavation, superstructure erection, MEP, 

interior fit-out, etc.). Students were able to 

rotate through these activities and preview 

professional tracks that may be of interest 

to them in the future. We also achieved 

20% local, minority and female employment 

and business participation. 

Incredible Story 

From the education of local students, to 

first-class care for cancer patients, to research 

that will save lives tomorrow, the 

work at Penn Medicine is “rewarding 

every day,” said Jeff Hutwelker, project executive. 

“The work we do building the facilities 

is just a small part of the incredible 

story that is Penn Medicine. But, we are 

very honored to do it and each and every 

one of us on the Driscoll team feels a part 

of their life-affirming mission.” 

In addition to the recently completed 

TRC, L.F. Driscoll constructed the: 

500,000sf Perelman Center 

for Advanced Medicine 

55,000sf Roberts Proton 

Therapy Center 

250,000sf South Pavillion 

Expansion (preconstruction phase) 

“The LF. Driscoll project team was a pleasure 

to work with. While working through 

the myriad issues of a fast-track project, 

and dealing daily with site and logistics 

challenges, Ed Hanzel and the whole team 

continuously strove to meet all of our needs 

and requirements. L.F. Driscoll was an integral 

part of a large and disparate team 

that completed TRC in a most successful 

fashion.” —Stephen Greulich, senior project 

manager, Penn Medicine 

Leadership Honoree 

Bob Mullen, chief executive officer for the Structure Tone organization, 

received the Corporate Leadership Award presented 

by F∙E∙G∙S Health and Human Services System at 

its 10th annual Partnerships for a Changing World Benefit Dinner. 

Nearly 600 supporters joined together and raised $1.3 million 

to support the F∙E∙G∙S network of services that assists 

100,000 vulnerable New Yorkers annually and to honor outstanding 

community leaders. 

Other honorees included: Louise Greilsheimer, senior vice president, 

UJA-Federation of New York; James Greilsheimer, counsel, 

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP; Alexis Christoforous, 

CBS News Anchor; and Jeff Koons, sculptor and artist. 

“I am grateful for giving New York City’s real estate and construction 

industries a chance to shine through their support of 

F∙E∙G∙S, the premier health and human services organization in 

our city,” commented Mullen. “I am humbled by the magnitude 

of the life-improving services provided by F∙E∙G∙S – they are a 

cornerstone for the humanity that is New York City.” 

p (L to R): Robert Mullen, CEO, Structure Tone; Barry Gosin, 

CEO, Newmark Knight Frank and F.E.G.S Executive Committee 

Member; James Donaghy, Chairman, Structure Tone 

V o l u m e V | Q 2 / 3 | 2 0 1 1

28 

New Leadership Roles 

The Structure Tone Journal is a publication 

of the Structure Tone marketing and 

corporate communications department 

–770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 

Managing Editor 

Robin Malacrea 

rmalacrea@structuretone.com 

Features Editor 

Laura Schneider 

laura.schneider@structuretone.com 

Design & Production 

Dan Silverstone 

dan.silverstone@structuretone.com 

Mark Abbott 

Regional Vice President 

Structure Tone 

Washington, DC 

Eric Hage 

Director, Business 

Development 

Structure Tone 

Southwest-Dallas 

Race Against MS 

Gilbert Lee 

Commercial Director 

Structure Tone Asia 

Hong Kong 

Structure Tone staff recently attended the 29th Annual Race Against MS at Belmont 

Park Race Track. It was a spectacular day filled with thoroughbred racing along 

with a silent and live auction to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The 

event, which benefited The New York City—Southern New York Chapter of the MS Society, 

was sponsored by Structure Tone, Atlas-Acon Electric Service Corporation, Platinum 

Maintenance and Vornado Realty Trust. 

MS committee members Ray Donaghy, 

Jim Donaghy and Brian 

Donaghy (all Structure Tone), 

along with 600 guests, raised 

nearly $400,000 for the organization. 

Funds raised contribute 

to the local Chapter’s mission to 

support research initiatives and 

provide comprehensive support 

services and educational programs 

to people living with MS, 

their families and friends. 

Ray Donaghy was presented the 

Blue Ribbon Award for his long 

p Ray Donaghy (3rd from L) and Jim Donaghy 

(5th from L) with other MS committee members 

time involvement with and continued commitment to the MS Society. “It is an honor 

to be a part of an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of those who 

are affected by MS,” commented Ray. “Structure Tone enthusiastically looks forward 

to supporting future events for this important cause.” 

Contributors 

Betsy Pinsker 

Lisa Ruano 

Alyssa Sans 

Global Expertise 

Boston 

Dallas 

Hartford 

Houston 

Lyndhurst 

New York 

Philadelphia 

Princeton 

San Antonio 

Stamford 

Washington, DC 

Beijing 

Dublin 

Guangzhou 

Hong Kong 

London 

Shanghai 

Shenzhen 

Suzhou 

e Structure Tone 

organization includes: 

Structure Tone Inc. 

Structure Tone International 

Structure Tone Southwest 

L.F. Driscoll Company, LLC 

Pavarini Construction Co. Inc. 

Pavarini McGovern LLC 

S&techs 

© Copyright Structure Tone Inc., 2011 

This newsletter is printed using soy-based 

inks on Chorus Art Silk made with 55% 

recycled content and 30% post-consumer waste 

content processed acid and elemental chlorine free 

with a cover on Chorus Art Gloss with same 

content and processing.

SEAinG ClEARly - Structure Tone Inc.

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