June 1st - June 5th, 2009

Vigil Held for Crane Collapse Victims

June 1 – One year after the deadly crane collapse on the Upper East Side, a vigil was held to remember the two men killed in the accident on east 91st Street. The Daily News reported the crane’s owner was warned a year before the collapse that the welding technique on the crane was shoddy, but the Chinese company, RTR Bearings, stayed on the job after receiving more money from New York Crane.

Study Evaluates National Office Price Drops

June 1 – Another study confirms the stunning drop in office prices across the United States. Moody’s REAL National All Property Type Aggregate Index for March shows a 1.7 percent drop in monthly prices and a staggering 20.8 percent decline from March of 2008.

Prince Harry Visits Lower Manhattan

June 1 – Britain’s Prince Harry visited Ground Zero for the first time on Friday, May 29th.  He spoke with family members of 9/11 victims, laid a wreath and bowed his head for several minutes at a site overlooking 9/11 Memorial construction. Harry then spent time with members of Engine 10/Ladder 10 firehouse opposite the WTC site. He also planted a magnolia tree at the British Memorial Garden paying tribute to the 67 Britons who died on 9/11.

AIG Buildings for Sale

June 2 – Yet another report was published indicating AIG is ready to sell its headquarter buildings at 70 Pine Street and 72 Wall Street for about $100 million. The New York Post reported the buyers expect to turn the buildings into a mixed use of residential and retail. Korean and Russian groups are mentioned as possible buyers.

BPC Home to Greenest Residential Tower

June 2 – The Visionaire in Battery Park City is now the only LEED Platinum condominium on the east coast. The building received the certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the greenest residential building in the country. The building offers energy savings of more than 40 percent. It’s a 35-story building with 247 apartments, featuring a rooftop garden that collects rainwater, and a central heating/cooling system powered by natural gas -- significantly reducing its demand for electricity.

Smoke Alarm at 130 Liberty Street

June 4 – A piece of equipment at 130 Liberty Street sent off a plume of smoke, causing the building to be evacuated Wednesday evening around 6:20 p.m. A spokesman for the FDNY said no one was hurt. Work on the building was halted for the evening and resumed Thursday morning. The LMDC is investigating.

Two Law Firms Sign Lease on Wall Street

June 4 – Two law firms are moving into 14 Wall Street, according to Real Estate Weekly.   Gibson & Behman have leased 7,000 square feet and Newman Meyers Kreines Gross Harris signed on for 22,100 square feet in the landmark building.

Fanfare for Governors Island Opening

June 4 – On Saturday, May 30th, approximately 8, 000 people were on hand to mark the biggest opening weekend ever for Governors Island. The weekend included a polo match featuring Prince Harry and other celebrities. The Island will be home to free biking, picnicking, and art exhibitions throughout the summer.

Bovis Under Scrutiny for Potential Overbilling

June 5 – Bovis Lend Lease, the contractor in charge of the decontamination and deconstruction of the Deutsche Bank building, is under investigation by the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s office for overbilling allegations. The Daily News says prosecutors have subpoenaed thousands of payroll and billing documents from Bovis for its work on five major projects in the city including the Deutsche Bank building and the Sept. 11 Memorial. The paper reports that Bovis may have inflated bills by submitting hours not worked or adding on overtime that was not justified.

Historic Downtown Hotel Addition Rejected

June 5 – Plans to add six stories to the historic Cosmopolitan Hotel building at Reade Street and West Broadway were given thumbs down by several city commissioners. The Downtown Express is reporting the City Landmarks Preservation Commission wants the design changed; they feel the current design is ‘bland’ and ‘generic’. The building’s owner said his team will submit a new design.