Author Archives: Laurie-Anne Haller

2023 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Manton Research Center at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts!  The building supports an innovative program co-sponsored by Williams College and the Clark for graduate students advancing careers as academic and museum professionals. The Manton Research Center distinguishes the Clark as one of only a handful of institutions globally with a dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education.

Zubatkin served as the owner’s representative for the planning and implementation of the Clark’s transformative master plan for its 140-acre campus.  The project included the renovation of the Manton Research Center with Selldorf Architects, Gensler and Consigli Construction in 2016.  Learn more.

Images © James Ewing

Earlier this week, Turner Construction Company invited Zubatkin team members to take part in a Safety Stand-Down for programming focused on worksite safety at our shared jobsite at Jamestown’s One Times Square. The theme of this year’s Construction Safety Week “Strong Voices, Safe Choices” reminds us that safety is the number one priority, and empowers staff to recognize and act on any potential hazard putting the team in harm’s way. All craft and design professionals, clients, and trade partners must work collectively toward building a culture of safety.

Today marks the opening of the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History!

Already hailed as a soaring architectural achievement, the 230,000-square-foot Gilder Center embodies the Museum’s mission of science and education. The program includes world-class research facilities and scientific collections, next-generation classrooms, and innovative exhibitions. The first major expansion since the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the new wing designed by Studio Gang creates 33 new connections among 10 of the Museum’s campus buildings.

We’ve had the privilege of partnering with American Museum of Natural History on its capital projects and master planning initiatives since 1995. We’re incredibly humbled to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team of professionals in service of the Museum’s mission and goals.

Learn more about the Gilder Center via the AMNH website, NYTimes, New Yorker, Architect’s Newspaper, and Smithsonian Magazine.

 Image © American Museum of Natural History, Iwan Baan

May 1^st marked the beginning of Construction Safety Week 2023! Throughout our 29-year history, Zubatkin has partnered with clients and construction teams to support safety on our projects. We are proud of the fact that all of our project management staff hold the OSHA 10-Hour Certification and have completed the 4-Hour Scaffold Training. As an organization, we make it a priority to remain apprised of the latest industry best practices and OSHA standards.

This year’s theme “Strong Voices, Safe Choices” reminds us that we must encourage an open dialogue and continual learning around building a culture of safety on all worksites. Every person plays a role in keeping everyone safe.

Earlier this morning, Julie Geden joined other industry experts at WX (New York Women Executives in Real Estate)’s monthly breakfast panel. Speakers from different organizations discussed the state of the construction industry, including the outlook for the market, key trends and areas of innovation. The other panelists included Mariana Circiumaru, Managing Director – Head of Development & Construction – East Coast at Cain International, Patricia Hauserman, Senior Director Construction & Development at Atlas Capital Group, and Amy Wincko, Senior Vice President Operational Excellence & Strategic Planning at STO Building Group.

On Earth Day, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight the Farminary, an innovative educational program and model of environmental stewardship developed by our client Princeton Theological Seminary. The Farminary (farm + seminary) is a 21-acre farm that is part of the Seminary campus where theological education is integrated with small-scale regenerative agriculture to train faith leaders who are conversant in the fields of ecology, sustainability, and food justice.

Zubatkin serves as an advisor to Princeton Theological Seminary on a variety of foundational planning initiatives. Collaborating with Regenerative Design Group, we supported the development of an Agricultural Master Plan and sustainability assessment framework that celebrate the Farminary as a land-based theological learning community invested in agriculture, thoughtful land stewardship, and the formation of all who participate in its programming. Learn more.

Jackie Robinson was a pioneer – as a family man, soldier, entrepreneur, and trailblazing athlete who fought for racial, social, and economic equality. In celebration of Jackie Robinson Day on April 15^th, consider a visit to the eponymous museum that tells the story of his life and character. Designed to educate current and future generations on his activism and impact, this important project also looks back on the civil rights movement and inspires the exploration and discussion of today’s issues.

The space, which opened in September 2022, features artifacts, interactive exhibits, and media highlighting Robinson’s path from baseball champion to champion of equal rights. Zubatkin is honored to have worked alongside the Jackie Robinson Foundation in the planning, design, and construction of the museum honoring his legacy. Learn more about visiting the museum and Zubatkin’s role on the project.

We are proud to sponsor the New York Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) in its inaugural Facilities & Operations Conference! This event is designed to create a space for networking and learning around topics related to facilities management, operations, and security & safety in K-12 independent schools.

Together with JCJ Architects, we’ll be hosting a discussion on the complementary roles of the owner’s rep and architect on Thursday, March 16th at 1:15pm (Session 5B). We’ll also have a table as part of the Sponsor Showcase that same evening. Mark Minkley and Kathleen Farewell will be representing Zubatkin. We hope to see you there!

As part of Women in Construction Week, our very own Kathleen Farewell, PE, LFA served on a panel “Female Leaders of Today” profiling women in leadership roles from across the construction industry.  The event offered an engaging discussion on the topics of career and professional development, working together, and developing the next generation of women in the design and construction field.  The other panelists included Megan Brothers, Senior Vice President of Design at Brookfield Properties; Jennifer Tantum, Director of Construction Services with JM Zell; and Jenny Freeman, Managing Director with Group PMX.

As part of Women in Construction Week, we wanted to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of the talented women that are part of our team at Zubatkin. Our organization is made up of approximately two-thirds women – a rarity for the construction industry and something of which we are particularly proud.  Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our colleagues!

2023 marks the 25^th anniversary of the annual Women in Construction Week. This year’s theme of “Many Paths, One Mission” celebrates the different journeys women have taken towards strengthening and amplifying their success in the construction industry. Learn more about how professionals from across the country are promoting awareness and hosting events in recognition of this special week: https://wicweek.org/

We are proud to once again sponsor the MAAM Building Museums Symposium! This year’s conference is taking place in Atlanta from March 12 -14. Jason Zubatkin and Kathleen Farewell will be representing Zubatkin at the conference.

The Building Museums conference brings together museum colleagues, design and construction professionals, and other consulting partners to discuss strategies and best practices for the successful planning and implementation of museum building projects. Learn more via the MAAM Building Museums website.

We are excited to celebrate the topping out milestone of the new Poly Arts Center in Brooklyn!

The Poly Arts Center is a new 10,000 square foot building on Poly Prep’s 25-acre Dyker Heights Brooklyn campus. This construction includes a new visual arts gallery, rehearsal rooms for music and dance, and an enlarged theater lobby with spaces for community, teaching, and exhibitions. The building will be adjacent to the existing 356-seat theater and set design workroom creating a new arts footprint commensurate with the high caliber of Poly Arts programming.

Zubatkin has had the privilege of working alongside the PolyPrep, Sage & Coombe Architects, and Benchmark Builders on the development of the project. We’re excited to see the impact the completed Arts Center will have on the Poly Prep campus and the surrounding Brooklyn arts community.