J A N UA RY 2 015

RESIDENTIAL

Transforming

the landscape of

Brooklyn

real estate from the inside out

MG Engineering D.P.C.
Bruce W. Jaffe, Michael Gerazounis, P.E., LEED AP, Michael Marino, LEED AP and Peter Gerazounis P.E., LEED AP

MG ENGINEERING D.P.C.

Engineering
Brooklyn
The Unseen Magic Behind Todays
Hottest NYC Residential Properties
Several well-known factors have contributed to the rebound of
Brooklyn real estate including increased employment opportunities, improved transportation assets and rezoning laws that spurred
a flurry of construction projects (Barclays Center, all of Williamsburg) across New York Citys largest borough. Certainly on the
residential side, the market has experienced a monumental shift
with the advent of high-end properties and offerings in neighborhoods you wouldnt have expected. Buildings are being taken to
new heights literally, as in the case of 388 Bridge Street, Brooklyns tallest residential tower at 53 floors, and figuratively in terms
of their quality and price.

days varied and complex engineering problems. Each of the four

Principals has between twenty and thirty-five years of experience,
and in some cases, life-long backgrounds in engineering. Michael
Gerazounis, PE, LEED AP; Peter Gerazounis, PE, LEED AP; Michael Marino, LEED AP and Bruce W. Jaffe have been together
under the MGE umbrella since its inception nearly 25 years ago.
Peter and Mike G. are brothers; Bruce and Mike Marino have
worked together for more than 30 years.

MG Engineering (MGE), New York City-based MEP and IT consulting engineers, is closely involved in some of the citys most
prized residential developments, and for the last ten or so years has
been quietly transforming the landscape of Brooklyn real estate
from the inside out.

MGE has experienced steady growth in its lifetime. They employ

125 people and were recently recognized by Crains 2014 Best
Places to Work in New York City. While a majority of MGEs
projects are in corporate offices/tenant fit outs, theres an allure to
residential shared by the professionals involved in these projects.
Residential is like building a Swiss watch; space is at a premium,
said Bruce Jaffe, Principal at MGE. Every cubic inch of volume
needs to be considered.

When you think about the luxurification of residential properties, elaborate materials come to mind: marble and moldings,
chefs kitchens, custom closets and amenities. But thats only
whats visible to the naked eye. Ask any engineer and he or she
will tell you, the magic is in the unseen construction materials,
mechanical systems and technology. The goal of this piece is to
shed light on a few aspects of the unseen, raising the level of understanding for brokers and their clients.

Whats the difference?

No one would argue that commercial space in New York City isnt
valuable. However by nature commercial spaces, with an average
life span of 5-10 years, are designed to be adaptable. Developers
build in excesses to allow for installation, modification and construction over time. Compare that with residential spaces, designed for a life span of 20, 30, 40 years, the latter are intentionally
less forgiving and therefore more valuable.

Starting with, what does that mean?

MEP is the abbreviation for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing,
and represents the trades and disciplines associated with everything
from heating, cooling and ventilation (Mechanical), to life safety
(Fire Alarm) and power distribution (Electrical), to storm and sanitary drainage and water supply systems (Plumbing). IT, short for
Information Technology, refers to telecommunications and other
increasingly sophisticated base building technology requirements.

In nearly any construction project, the mechanical equipment necessary to heat, cool and ventilate a building represents the biggest
single cost, commands the largest amount of floor area and is the most
observable by its occupants, Peter Gerazounis, PE, LEED AP, Principal, pointed out. Its what people feel hot, cold, draft, dryness.

Nearly 25 years Behind The Scenes

MGE designers and engineers are especially qualified to solve toMR|R

Until recently, PTAC (Perimeter Terminal Air Conditioning) was

the developer standard in New York City for heating and cooling
residential buildings. PTAC is a packaged air conditioning unit
installed through the wall. PTACs are economical, easy to install
and maintain, and allow for controlling energy expenses room-by-

 2014 Jill Lotenberg

A South-Eastern View Of A Brooklyn Landscape In Transformation From The Boroughs Tallest Tower

room. While PTAC is still the go-to system for moderately priced
residential construction, architects, owners and engineers began
seeking newer, improved technology for the higher-end projects
and properties.

Other unique engineering features include two rooftop wind turbines. The turbines power an elaborate exterior lighting scheme
that combines flair and functionality to establish the buildings
place in the Brooklyn skyline certainly seen.

Enter VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow). VRF systems run on refrigerant piping, easy to conceal in walls and ceilings. Routing
less ductwork allows for higher ceiling heights, the Holy Grail of
architectural design. In addition to providing optimal control and
quiet operation, all costs associated with heating and cooling remain with an apartments occupants, benefitting building owners
bottom line and resulting in lower common charges.

Origins of a Trend
New York City is historically a place of wealth and ambition,
where luxury is flaunted and satisfying want often overwrites logic. This is certainly true of the high-end real estate market. When
clients say I want, developers do the math, how many dollars
per square foot can I make on this deal? MGE analyzes the financial impact of amenities and features on behalf of developers
and brokers in order to help determine maximum profit margin.
Radiant floors, ducted exhaust, gas dryers and appliance packages
(how many wall ovens?), all fall under their purview. Every project
requires them to live, breathe and think like the owner, architect,
acoustician and broker. However to the folks at MGE, it feels like
human engineering above all.

Back to 388 Bridge Street

MGE is the design engineer for the newly constructed 388 Bridge
Street in Brooklyn, which opened last fall. When MGE got involved
almost six years ago, PTAC had been specified for the entire job
(approx. 70% rental, 30% condo). Having reviewed the pro forma,
MGE subsequently recommended and pushed through VRF for the
condo portion of the development. Not only for the reasons above
did it make sense, but the owner can market the units at higher
level. We like to think of ourselves as Developer Engineers, Mr.
Jaffe resounded. 388 Bridge Street is an astounding success and has
contributed to the changing complexion of downtown Brooklyn.

MG Engineering D.P.C.
116 West 32 nd Street
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 212-643-9055
www.mgedpc.net
MR|R

we engineer success.
For over 20 years weve been providing comprehensive, best-in-class engineering services that embrace architectural
aesthetics, visualize projects from the clients perspective and implement cost methodologies to deliver superior
quality projects on schedule and within budget. Call or visit us online to find out more.

Mechanical

Electrical

Plumbing

Fire Protection

Fire Alarm

Technology

MG Engineering D.P.C.
116 W. 32 Street, New York, NY 10001
p. 212.643.9055 mgedpc.net
nd

Engineering D.P.C. we engineer success