Existing Conditions Presents: Woolworth Building Pinnacle Penthouse 3D Laser Scanning Case Study

Join Us for This Live Event: Center for Architecture in New York, NY
January 30, 2025

When you sign up for this live event, you also gain access to a video recording of the live case study and receive a calendar of other exciting Existing Conditions events. 

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Insta360 X3 photo of the exterior of the Pinnacle Penthouse at the Woolworth Building.

A Live Case Study:

Existing Conditions was selected to provide 3D laser scanning and construction drone services for the iconic Pinnacle Penthouse at the Woolworth Building, as the purchaser intends to restore portions of the exterior to more closely reflect the original 1913 Cas Gilbert design and finish the interior living space. With the help of Existing Conditions, this blank canvas of architectural history will be transformed into a masterpiece!

The Pinnacle Penthouse, is an iconic 5-floor residential space located at the top of the Woolworth Building, which was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1913. The residence features a distinct copper crown, includes 9,680-square-foot of living space and a private 408 square foot observatory terrace with panoramic views of New York City. This project required reliable documentation of the existing conditions, and a variety of deliverables, including a point cloud, 2D CAD floor plans & RCPs, 3D Revit model, and drone survey for design and renovation planning.

The Pinnacle Penthouse requires immense architectural exterior structural modifications to the façade and envelope conditions. The residence required modern updates to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to infuse 21st-century luxuries into the historic space.

Our client is now able to securely access, view, download, and share site data, drawings, and models via SiteMap®, a cloud-based software to facilitate collaboration, communication, and ultimately, better decision making.

Interior point cloud data of the Pinnacle Penthouse at the Woolworth Building. 

Course Description:

Join us for a case study presentation featuring the iconic Pinnacle Penthouse at the Woolworth Building—once the tallest building in the world! Learn how Existing Conditions can help architects receive accurate as-built documentation through decades of experience, equipment, and software to reduce project risk.

Participants will explore how 3D laser scanning, point clouds, CAD, BIM, and drone surveys, can add value to your architecture project by delivering as-built documentation to collaborate on construction, minimize design errors, and eliminate costly rework. They will also explore the impact of new digital delivery and record-keeping tools for project management and review their ability to integrate above and below-ground documentation to streamline data, communication, and collaboration.

With a strong focus on execution and client satisfaction, Existing Conditions exceeded expectations, providing accurate data and accommodating additional requests from the client. The successful completion of this project demonstrated Existing Conditions’ commitment to excellence and solidified our reputation as trusted partners in the AEC industry.

Learning Objectives:

Engage in a conversation about how 3D laser scanning can aid architectural design to facilitate the restoration, preservation, and modernization of historical landmarks.

Learn how 3D laser scanning, point clouds, CAD, BIM, and drone surveys deliver existing conditions information in an easy-to-use, shareable format to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

Explore the evolution from traditional drafting to modern BIM practices, using the Pinnacle Penthouse at the Woolworth Building as a real-world case study.

Learn how SiteMap® integrates above and below-ground data to create comprehensive, up-to-date as-builts that enhance project efficiency and prevent costly errors.

HSW Justification:

By exploring 3D laser scanning, subsurface damage prevention, point clouds, CAD and BIM software, and SiteMap®, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these advanced tools improve the accuracy, safety, and overall welfare of building projects. The integration of these technologies, including SiteMap®'s ability to provide a clear, layered view of above and below-ground conditions, minimizes risks, reduces costly errors, and ensures safer, more efficient project outcomes, ultimately enhancing public health, safety, and welfare.

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Residence Features:

The Pinnacle Penthouse, recently developed by Alchemy Properties, is an iconic residence in New York. Sitting 727 feet high, this five-story home encompasses 9,680 square feet of interior space and a private 408 square foot observatory terrace. Exquisite highlights include 125 windows, 24-foot ceilings, and an in-residence private elevator. 

Built in 1913, the Woolworth Building at 2 Park Place was the world’s tallest building when it was completed. Designed by architect Cass Gilbert for developer Frank Woolworth, construction on the 792-foot-tall neo-Gothic tower cost $13.5 million at the time. Besides its distinct copper crown, the building is known for its striking facade, which is made up of thousands of pieces of terracotta. Alchemy Properties recently restored the terracotta facade for $22 million.

According to Ken Horn, President of Alchemy Properties, “the apartment still needs millions of dollars’ worth of finishing and refurbishing. The home was sold to Scott Lynn, CEO of Masterworks, as an ‘unfinished white box’ -- just steel beams and unfinished interiors painted white -- which Horn says was due to Alchemy Properties knowing that any future owner would come in with ‘their own visions’ for the penthouse.”

3D point cloud virtual site visit of the 53rd floor.

Existing Conditions Company Description:

With 27 years of experience, Existing Conditions is renowned for accurate as-built drawings, existing condition surveys, 3D laser scanning, and drone imaging, supporting some of the most iconic projects in the United States. Now, as part of GPRS, the nation’s leader in Intelligently Visualizing the Built World®, we can deliver additional services faster and with greater support. Wherever your project is located, trust the combined expertise of GPRS and Existing Conditions to deliver the data you need—quickly and reliably.

Speaker
Paul Lindsey, Business Development, Existing Conditions

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