Client: Janus Property Group
Location: New York, NY, United States
Completion date: 2014
Artwork budget: $35,000
Project Team
Art Consultant
Agata Renault
Duggal Visual Solutions
Client
Scott Metzner
Janus Property Company
Architect
LEVENBETTS
LEVENBETTS
Industry Resource
Duggal Visual Solutions
Overview
The Janus Property Company’s revitalization of Harlem’s Manhattanville neighborhood included transforming a five-block pocket of abandoned factory buildings into a vibrant mixed-use community space. The rebuilding plans of the 126th & 127th street intersection honors the neighborhood’s past by preserving the buildings’ character while planning for a modernized, optimistic future. This area’s history and cultural significance was to be built upon, not built over.
The Janus Property Company called on Duggal to transform a raw space on W. 127th Street into a visual showroom/presentation center. This space faces the development site of the Taystee Building.
Goals
Between the beautiful West Harlem Piers, prestigious Columbia University, legendary Apollo Theater and iconic Sylvia’s Restaurant stands the Taystee Building. The former Taystee Bakery complex was transformed into a modernized commercial hub to connect the 125th Street corridor. The overall design is essential to the revitalization process.
The project was to be an overall visual representation of the rebuilding – symbolizing the great things to come from Janus and the official headquarters for Taystee, and the bright future of one of New York City’s most historic communities. The master-planned Manhattanville Factory District was the next chapter in Harlem’s rich historic timeline.
Process
The collaborative creativity and expertise of Janus and Duggal was on full display for the six-month renovation process. Duggal visual consultant, Agata Renault, met with design architect LEVENBETTS to discuss their vision for the space. They analyzed floor plans and designer sketches, while Renault offered samples of various materials and substrates. Renault and Janus consulted further to create a graphics blue print for the space, including evaluating on-site test installations.
Additional Information
Duggal’s level of expertise and meticulous attention to detail accentuated the overall success of this project. Duggal installation experts analyzed the 1,055 square foot space. When melding graphics into the wall, Duggal was able to negate surface and texture imperfections that could have otherwise caused peeling, cracking or warping. The vinyl window film has an expertly formulated level of opacity provides subtle, unobtrusive privacy and soft natural lighting to the interior. Renault’s knowledge of materials and the skill of Duggal’s craftsman were vital in the installation process. A case study of the project exists in book form (jpg uploaded).