City Completes $5.7 Million Upgrade to 19th Century, Two-Story Sidewalk Vault at Historic Downtown 22 Reade Street

CM-Build Project Completed Nearly Three Months Ahead of Schedule and 43 Percent Under Budget

DDC: Denisse Moreno, 718-391-1854, morenode@ddc.nyc.gov

(New York, NY – January 21, 2025) Commissioner Thomas Foley of the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today that a $5.7 million project to reconstruct and stabilize a two-story high underground sidewalk vault located at 22 Reade Street has been completed nearly three months ahead of schedule and $4 million under budget. DDC managed the project on an emergency basis for the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Service (DCAS) using the Construction Manager-Build (CM-Build) method of contracting.

“This complex project showcased how well CM-Build can speed up construction and deliver positive results, especially renovation projects like this where flexibility is required to manage unknown field conditions,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “With CM-Build, the contractor joined during the design phase allowing for a more streamlined and careful approach while working on a historic building near complicated infrastructure and several other historic sites. Thanks to CM-Build and our great team, work was finished three months in advance, saving nearly half the original budget. We also appreciate the collaboration with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and his team on quickly approving the emergency declaration to allow us to move quickly with procurement.”

“This project stands as a remarkable achievement in preserving both the safety and history of our city,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “I thank the Department of Design and Construction for their diligence demonstrated in the renovation of this historic property. Through their swift and meticulous efforts, Reade Street’s 19th century sidewalk vault has been carefully updated with historic preservation and modern accessibility in mind—truly exemplifying the City’s dedication to efficiency that never compromises quality.” 

To address structural safety and environmental regulations, the project first removed 293 tons of debris from inside the vault. The plumbing and electrical conduits inside the five-chamber vault were rerouted. The location’s curb, sidewalk and roadway were then reconstructed and restored. Work also included partial excavation of the roadway, curb, and sidewalk for removal of the vault roof slab, as well as filling of the vault with controlled cellular concrete.

DDC coordinated with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to ensure that work was done in a respectful manner to avoid any disturbance and impact to a nearby historic burial ground.

M & J Engineering D.P.C. was the CM-Builder for this project. Two of the subcontractors that were hired—Honey Construction, which worked on the debris removal, and AM NY Electric Corp., which conducted electric investigative work and rerouted electrical conduits—were part of the DDC Mentorship Program, now led by the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. DDC also worked with AI Engineers, Clean Tech Mechanical Inc., and MFM Contracting Corp.

Construction began in March 2023 and concluded in October 2024.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.