1330 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY

Plaza Restoration

1330 Avenue of the Americas is a high rise building with a two-level plaza.  The plaza has had a long history of water infiltration, which has caused structural damage such as deteriorated waterproofing, delaminated fireproofing, active leaks and rust corrosion.  Design flaws consisting of negative pitch, lack of drains and nonexistent base flashing in the plaza has accelerated the deterioration of the waterproofing membrane further affecting the concrete and steel structure.

Diaz Architect & Associates, P.C.’s design consisted of reconstructing the upper and lower plaza and handicap ramps consisting of replacing the waterproofing membrane with fabric reinforced liquid membrane because of minimal to non-existent pitch.  Drainage composite was introduced to improve the quick drainage of water to minimize damage from freeze/thaw cycles.  A lightweight modified polymer concrete was installed at the perimeter base flashing on the structural slab to provide some positive subsurface drainage away from the vulnerable base flashing. Specially shaped granite pavers with built-in drainage slopes were introduced to encourage the required drainage.  Drainage troughs were introduced around the revolving and swing doors to compensate for heavy rain.   A large planter with structural supports was incorporated in order to have the capability of supporting an art sculpture.