Navillus Contracting, a New York City-based union construction company, is advancing multiple assignments as part of the Empire State Building’s fully reimagined Observatory project, covering an estimated 75,000 square feet throughout.
Empire State Realty Trust, owner and manager of the Empire State Building, is overseeing the historic, wide-ranging upgrade of the world-renowned property. While this project is underway, the 86th Floor Observatory remains open with uninterrupted visitor traffic.
In August, Navillus completed the initial phase of its assignment with the opening of the Empire State Building’s new entrance at 20 West 34th Street, which includes a detailed mosaic mural. The company is presently advancing a new phase of work focused on general trades and finishing carpentry work on other projects throughout the iconic landmark.
The Empire State Building joins Navillus’ portfolio of top New York City landmarks, which also includes assignments completed at Grand Central Terminal, Madison Square Garden, the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Lincoln Center, the USTA National Tennis Center, the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, and other high-profile projects, including what will be Midtown’s tallest commercial building, One Vanderbilt.
“Navillus takes pride in adding specialized value to many of New York City’s most beloved landmarks,” said Navillus president and founder Donal O’Sullivan. “The newly expanded entrance to the Empire State Building is facilitating the seamless flow of vast numbers of tenants and visitors in and out of this iconic structure.”
The enhanced entryway is dedicated to accommodating the 4.2 million guests visiting the building’s famed Observatory each year.
Skanska is serving as construction manager for the ReBuilding project, with Corgan Associates Architects providing architecture services. The Empire State Building is represented by JLL.
About Navillus Contracting
Navillus Contracting is a union contractor, with particular expertise in concrete, masonry, stone, tile, and general contracting services. Navillus works for private and public-sector clients on some of New York City’s highest-profile landmarks, such as: The World Trade Center redevelopment; Grand Central Terminal; several of NYC’s largest and best-known stadiums and arenas; tall concrete superstructures such as One Manhattan West and One Vanderbilt; and key elements of the City’s transportation infrastructure, including the Second Avenue Subway.
Founded in 1987, Navillus is one of the largest, independent, specialty contractors in New York City and in the US. It is a winner of BTEA Safety Awards for “Best Practices/Safety Culture” in 2016 and “Safety Innovation” in 2018, and one of Crain’s New York Business’ “Top Privately Held Companies.”
At any given moment, Navillus has an average unionized workforce of 1,000 trade employees, a large back office support staff, and multiple supervisors working on site. Navillus has been the largest paying union benefits contractor in New York for over ten years.
