Terminal Warehouse Wins Commercial Observer Adaptive Reuse Project of the Year

The redevelopment of the historic Terminal Warehouse has earned yet another honor: the 2025 Adaptive Reuse Project of the Year from the Commercial Observer Breakthrough Awards.

Originally built in 1891, the 1.3M SF complex underwent a remarkable transformation. The DeSimone structural team, led by Managing Principal Mark Plechaty, PE, and Associate Principal Rodolfo Medina, PE, engineered new concrete supports through the existing structure to enable a six-story, 200,000 SF overbuild above four conjoined warehouse structures. A complex shoring system safeguarded the landmarked brick façades during construction, while we carefully reinforced and integrated existing timber and steel elements with new concrete systems. This process unified the site’s four structural blocks—a challenging mix of timber, steel and concrete—into a modern, mixed-use, office building that honors its place in NYC’s past—and future.

Though warehouses typically lack natural light, the team envisioned a brighter, more open environment. We achieved this by carving out the center of the structure to create an internal courtyard, bringing light deep into the heart of the building.

Congratulations to the entire DeSimone structural team, as well as project parters L&L Holding Company, Columbia Property Trust, Hill Capital Partners, COOKFOX Architects, Normandy Real Estate, Derive Engineering Services LLC, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, New Line Structures & Development LLC, and Platform Solutions.