http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Taylor...g.-a0179535685
Real Estate Weekly
Taylor moves digs to Empire State Building.
May 21, 2008
Taylor, which handles lifestyle, sports and entertainment public relations, has recently moved from 14 Penn Plaza to the 38th floor of the Empire State Building. Aragon Construction, a leading New York City-based general contracting, construction management and consulting firm, completed a full-floor build-out for the 25,000 s/f space.
Aragon's Michael Trocchia served as project manager for the build-out, which included construction of walls, ceilings, and floors as well as extensive millwork, specialty lighting, new AC units, plumbing systems, bathrooms, as well as a video production, editing and satellite broadcast studio.
"This was an exciting project because it began as a large raw, demoed space with 30-year old bathrooms and old machine rooms," says Trocchia. "In its place, we have built a showplace for Taylor in New York's most famous office building."
The perimeter of the floor is comprised of glass front offices and conference rooms that facilitate and encourage a creative environment. The design also features a reception area with mosaic tile walls and a generously sized serving bar and sink suitable for town hall meetings and entertaining. A lounge, living room space and open pantry provide additional seating options, while the non-public areas in four quadrants have open workstations. Millwork walls with wooden display boxes not only serve as storage, but also a gallery for client items and products. Materials, such as limestone and glass tile were integrated with wood and carpeting throughout to create a classic modern, yet light aesthetic.
Taylor is one of the first office tenants to take advantage of one full floor. An open and collaborative environment was created in the space that can be used as a model for other corporate tenants in the building. The glass front offices without doors, in addition to the various breakout areas, will offer several opportunities for communication between the company's leadership and the workforce.
The Taylor build-out is one of many projects Aragon is completing, or has completed, in the Empire State Building. Aragon recently renovated the building's lobby, new observation deck, entire 25th floor and is currently upgrading a retail space on the ground level, to be occupied by Starbucks.