municipal

Lehman College is located on a tree-lined 37 acre campus comprised of an art research facility housed in a 100,000 square foot four-story building.  The Library wished to add modern and contemporary features to emphasize openness and flexibility of space.  To upgrade the Library, there were originally three goals: replacing the HVAC system as the custom site assembled air handling unit was installed in 1974 and no longer was in compliance with codes in regard to indoor air quality; replacing the existing T8 fluorescent fixtures as the power density exceeded the recommended lighting by 260%; and replacing the ceilings as the original lacked sound absorption properties. H2M installed a new HVAC system which incorporated on-demand control ventilation and digital controls to maximize efficiency and performance, meeting current standards for energy conservation.  The outdoor air intake was relocated from the current sidewalk to above the roof to improve indoor air quality.  All branch ductwork and diffusers were replaced to correct insufficient air flow.  H2M also replaced all light fixtures with LEDs for energy-efficiency; and incorporated stepped dimming, occupancy, and daylight sensors to conserve energy.  Lighting and ventilation controls were designed to interface with the existing campus Building Management System.  The existing metal slat ceilings were also replaced with suspended acoustical ceiling panels to improve noise reduction coefficients and increase light reflectivity, thereby reducing energy consumption. Simultaneously, the college secured additional funding to renovate the first floor of the existing library to improve visibility, usage flexibility, and workflow.  While the Library Director wanted to enhance the space, he also wanted to respect the Library’s 1970s style of architecture.  To counteract the dense heaviness of the raw concrete building style, H2M felt strongly that the interior elements should be fluid and luminous to make the experience less barricaded and more inviting.  H2M softened the building’s orthogonal layout and rugged exposed concrete columns using a network of organic “ribbons” of circulation/reference desks and display shelving that weave throughout the library.  Each “destination” was designed to mimic shrubbery in a garden where people can meander.  The curvilinear circulation and reference desks anchor the large open area while portraying energy and movement.  Durable, low-maintenance finishes such as terrazzo floor tiles, flocked carpet tiles and impact-resistant drywall were specified to accommodate heavy traffic and withstand abuse. To improve daylight access and enhance visual supervision, H2M specified low furniture with demountable glass walls around collaboration areas throughout the open areas of the library.  Natural and earthy finish materials such as wood, stone, leather were selected to provide warmth and texture that balance against the cold, hard, man-made surfaces of concrete and glass. Upon completion, the first floor renovation included new circulation/reference desks, group and quiet study rooms, collaboration stations, administration offices, OPAC stations, and a digital media wall.  It would also house three new computer laboratory and classrooms and a technology center with assistive equipment and software for students with special needs.

The Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library has undertaken several construction projects to offer expanded Library services to their local community. H2M was involved in this process from the outset, working diligently with the Library to execute a successful bond referendum to fund this important work. The scope includes a 40,194 square foot renovation of the existing main branch, a 2,000 square foot addition and interior renovation at the Mastic Beach Annex, and a newly constructed 6,958 square foot Moriches Annex. Our designs include modern amenities to improve the performance of the space from inception, while optimizing flexibility for the future. Moveable glass partitions allow for creation of smaller meeting spaces, with the option to open up this space to the adjoining reading areas. A raised flooring system serves as a concealed location to run wiring for the various technology below the floor to allow for flexibility in furniture locations, computer areas and other power needs with minimal disturbance or modification to the existing floor finishes. A portion of the book stacks were strategically selected to be provided with castors, to allow for movement in and out of spaces during events, and for the library to be able to adapt their spaces for future collection and programming needs. Other modern features include multiple large community rooms, and a book sorting system at each building. At the main building, a café and a maker space were incorporated into the new floor plan. Sustainability is at the center of design for all three buildings; both annex buildings have a LEED certification goal. In addition to the full architectural, structural, and civil design services performed by H2M, our firm provided interior design services for each of the three buildings. Furniture was carefully selected for function, aesthetics, and durability, and finishes such as specialty ceiling panels are woven into the design to provide branding, wayfinding, and acoustical mitigation. H2M designed welcome desks for each of the spaces, specifically tailored to the needs of each building, including integral storage, signage, and technology.

Since 2014, the Library Board sought a centrally located space within the district’s borders to accommodate a larger library to meet the current and future needs of the community. Specifically, the Board was looking for an adequately sized structure to support both a robust collection and community spaces, with ample parking available for patrons and staff. The selected property is located only a 6-minute walk from the existing library, with commercial properties to the east, and single family dwellings on its north and west sides. Through close collaboration with the Library, H2M designed a new 11,000 square-foot building to replace the existing 4,400 square-foot library. The building exterior was designed to a traditional aesthetic, with a cultured stone water table and shingle siding. The design was intended to reflect the coastal design of the current building, as a nod to the community’s historical and emotional connection to the area’s roots. New amenities include an expanded Children’s Room with a dedicated Program Space and toilet room, a new Teen Area with a dedicated Group Study Room, a Maker Space and Digital Lab, and multiple Study Rooms. A large Community Rooms can be divided to accommodate simultaneous programs, and is directly accessible from the exterior for after-hours events. A landscaped outdoor patio and reading garden will enhance the user experience and provide more opportunities for gathering.

Oceanside Library provides some of the most innovative and sought-after programming in the country. Their existing facility did not provide them with the space, technology, or flexibility to meet their ever-evolving needs. H2M worked with the Library and their consultants to design a state-of-the art facility that would serve as a community hub and a platform for their creativity. A collaborative effort involving H2M’s architects and engineers, the Library Board, Directors, staff, and the local community resulted in an innovative design that led to the passing of a bond referendum to facilitate this important project. The existing Library was approximately 32,000 sf, while the new design provides approximately 48,000 sf. The Library is situated in a developed suburban area; parking and outdoor space were critical to maintain. Additional square footage was added by demolishing an existing one-story portion of the building, and constructing a lower level, first floor and second floor to match existing levels of the portion of the building to remain. The Library was also able to purchase two adjacent lots to add parking necessitated by the larger building and additional programming spaces. The design incorporates an existing reading garden and a second outdoor plaza, connected to the building and on axis with the building’s main entry point. The design incorporates many unique spaces for Libraries, such as a theater/stage, STEM workshop, podcast room, a demonstration kitchen, craft room, a cafe, and a gallery. Sought after spaces such as meeting rooms and soft seating areas are provided in a variety of sizes and configurations to provide a comfortable and welcoming space for all users. Spaces for adults, teens, tweens, and children are strategically located for ease of access, security, and sound control. Throughout the building, technology is specifically designed to maximize functionality and versatility of each space, and includes presentation and recording equipment, a room reservation system, Wi-Fi, power, and data access. Sustainability was a key factor in the decision-making process, with highly efficient HVAC and electrical systems, ultra-thermal fenestration packages, a robust building envelope, and low VOC/high recycled content materials and finishes specified throughout. H2M provided Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection and Environmental Engineering services for this project. The Library’s other consultants for this project include MDA Designgroup (Interior Architect), Theatre Projects (Theater Design), Colburn Guyette (Kitchen Design), T-Squared (Wayfnding and Signage), and EW Howell (Construction Manager)

The Town of Clarkstown, interested in saving money on utility bills and reducing its carbon footprint, saw an opportunity to utilize vacant land at its landfill as the site of a solar farm. The Town selected H2M because of the firm’s extensive experience with landfills and NYSDEC regulations. The project comprised the evaluation and construction of a 13-acre photovoltaic solar field producing 2.364 megawatts of power—enough electricity to power approximately 2,000 homes annually. This solar field is the first of its kind in New York State to be built on a closed capped municipal landfill on a commercial scale. H2M’s pursuit of NYSERDA grants ensured that this project, estimated to save the Town approximately $4.6 million in utility costs over 30 years, was constructed at zero cost to the Town. A 20-year Power Purchase Agreement was negotiated with the project developer on a leased portion of the Town landfill, allowing the Town to take over solar field operations after 20 years. The excess energy produced by the Solar Field is being sent back to the utility grid and the Town is credited the excess kilowatts. In 2015, the solar field project was awarded Project of the Year by the New York State Society of Professional Engineers.

H2M was selected to implement and manage the creation of a GIS database for mapping the Storm Water assets for the Storm Water Consortium of Rockland County, which is comprised of 23 municipalities in the County. H2M, leveraging ESRI’s ArcGIS Online, hosted a data website which provides access to a centralized web mapping system. A mobile application was also developed using Esri’s Collector for ArcGIS app to assist the 23 Towns/Villages in the collection of field data for the compilation of information on the Storm Water assets to satisfy the requirements of the SPDES MS4 program. Combining the original data collected from existing storm water system maps and the additional field work to identify storm water outfall locations, the project will result in a comprehensive mapping of the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4).

H2M’s GIS specialists compiled field documentation and tabular data of storm water assets collected through field survey services to satisfy the NYS SPDES MS4 program. Once all storm water assets were compiled, the GIS data and the associated field documents were packaged for submission to the NYSDEC compliance with the SPDES MS4 program. H2M’s GIS specialists converted tabular data to GIS and a KMZ file to store map details for simplified viewing in Google Earth. The KMZ file allows the Village to view the storm water infrastructure as an overlay on Google Earth imagery. This allows the Village to efficiently locate the infrastructure to its surrounding area and view a summary of the data collected for each structure. The data summary in the GIS map includes a link to individual field sheets and photos.

Having recently refurbished the perimeter running tracks at its East and West High Schools, the Smithtown Central School District was looking to replace its existing natural grass athletic fields without causing any damage to the new tracks. To meet this need, H2M designed a synthetic athletic field consisting of a polyethylene “grass” fiber system with a sand and rubber particle base. As an added bonus, the graphics, numbering, and striping for multiple sports were stitched into the field’s surface, eliminating the need to repaint game lines between seasons. During construction at the East High School field, some unsuitable, poor-quality soil was uncovered and removed to ensure the field’s long-term performance. Construction proceeded smoothly, with extra attention paid to the protection of the running tracks. The new fields will provide a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grass for years to come

The Town of Clarkstown proposed the development of a new, 96-space commuter parking field in a virgin woodland area adjacent to a stream in New City, NY. Supporting the project, H2M provided land surveying, civil engineering, regulatory permitting, and construction administration services. The finished product was a visually attractive parking lot for commuters to start and end their workdays. Using a federal grant to fund the project, Clarkstown sought to incorporate elements of a hometown streetscape in order to increase the facility’s appeal. Featuring ornamental street lighting and security lamps, Belgian block curbing, and a stamped concrete bus lane, the project is an aesthetically-pleasing addition to New City’s transit infrastructure. Capping off the overall theme is a two-sided clock tower and handicap access to the custom bus shelter. Native deciduous and coniferous plant species landscape the lot to blend in with the surrounding wooded area.

West Harbor Drive was a four-lane roadway through a primarily residential area of the Village of Bayville. A large percentage of vehicular traffic used the road to bypass the adjacent business district, and limited traffic control devices encouraged speeding. The roadway offered no sidewalk or shoulders; therefore, pedestrians walked on the grass and bicyclists rode in the vehicle travel lanes. The Village sought to increase the safety of its residents by decreasing incidences of speeding and providing a safe location for bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the roadway. After completing a preliminary assessment and design, H2M designed the project to include: the installation of bike lanes in each direction; reduction from four lanes to two lanes; installation of a striped center median; dedicated left turn lanes; a sidewalk on the south side of West Harbor Drive, and installation of ADA-accessible ramps and crosswalks. This project was a Locally Administered Federal Aid Project (LAFAP) and was designed in accordance with the associated guidelines.

The preparation of the award-winning Lincoln Park Redevelopment Plan required bringing together residents of one of Newark’s most culturally and socio-economically diverse communities to develop a consensus vision for the future development of their neighborhood. The planning process strived to capitalize on this diversity. At community workshops, the H2M team facilitated small working groups and presented an image preference survey. The relative “new-comers” to the neighborhood (the young, higher-earning artist community, new businesses, local art institutions, and a growing number of school-age children) were able to voice concerns alongside the well-organized neighborhood seniors, established cultural and religious institutions, and the numerous social service agencies. H2M also distributed an issue survey, created a project Facebook page, and interviewed stakeholders from an array of community groups, neighborhood schools, local historians, City Officials, City Departments and local developers. Based on the feedback and consensus-building exercises, the Plan presents new, form-based code zoning and design requirements for mixed-use and live-work development. Building forms are sensitive to the historic nature of the district and rich cultural heritage. The Plan also includes the City’s first Sustainability Checklist to be used in site plan review, a neighborhood supermarket analysis, and specific recommendations for streetscape improvements, traffic calming, parking coordination, public art, and public spaces.

H2M recently provided land surveying, engineering, architectural design services, and site planning for a new major upgrade to the Town of North Hempstead’s Manhasset Valley Park. The nearly 18-acre park consisted of mostly passive parkland, including woodlands, a natural grass baseball field, playground, surface parking, with walking trails spread throughout the park. Important environmental features of the park included mature trees, a stream, a pond, and wetlands, which required our engineers to perform wetland mapping, tree identification, and a detailed topographic survey of the site. Constraint and opportunity maps identified potential locations for the new park facilities to minimize impacts to environmentally-sensitive areas. Concept site plan alternatives led to the placement of the new illuminated, multi-purpose synthetic field for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and football; a new fully handicap accessible children’s playground; new ADA compliant bathrooms; and 69-stall parking field. The existing baseball field was reconstructed to make it compliant with Williamsport Little League specifications. Along with design and engineering, H2M provided construction administration services for the new field, a batting cage, site development, lighting and irrigation. Permit support included permits for freshwater wetlands through NYSDEC, a sewer connection permit through the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, and a backflow prevention permit through the Manhasset Lakeville Water District. The new park was re-dedicated in Spring 2013 with a field at the park named after Jim Brown, NFL Hall of Famer and Manhasset High School Alumnus.