From the New Grand Pinnacle to Traditional Categories, Pinnacle Wins are Widely Distributed Across NY’s Top Owners and Managers

Historical – 500 Fifth Avenue

Owner: Spaulding and Slye Investments
Management Firm: Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.
Manager: David Leest

Sister building to the Empire State Building and a New York City landmark in its own right, the 60-story Energy Star® tower at 500 Fifth Avenue outscored two other competitors to win Historical Building. The building team’s dedication to preserving 500 Fifth’s historical integrity, which includes some of the City’s finest Art Deco detailing, while continually upgrading structural and mechanical systems and implementing high-performance sustainability programs, has positioned it as highly competitive in today’s market. Looking to the future, its development of a spirit of community among fellow landmarks, and innovative social media/networking programs for tenants, were cited as a model for buildings of any age.

New Construction – 250 West 55th Street
Owner/Management: Boston Properties, Inc.
Property Manager: Rock A. Harding

The genesis of this pre-certified LEED-NC Gold office building from an avant garde, 80-story, mixed-use tower to a Stalled Site, and finally, its current role as a Class A, global headquarters destination, earned 250 West 55th Street the New Construction Award. A modern-day homage to Lever House with a green roof and 21st Century sustainability programs, this shimmering, 48-story glass tower also boasts unique system redundancies. When combined with the pre-construction input from the operations team, the 250 West construction approach promises to become a standard-setter city-wide. Led by Property Manager Rock A. Harding, 250 West’s win was Boston Properties’ second Pinnacle era win in this category. The firm’s previous win was also managed by Rock Harding, making him the first manager to win twice in this category.

Outstanding Local Member of the Year – Michael Flatley, CEM/LEED AP/CPMP

Senior Building Systems Consultant, Steven Winter Associates, Inc.

Three outstanding nominees competed for the honors in this category, with the Pinnacle going to energy conservation expert Michael F. Flatley. Mike was cited for his consistent, outstanding contributions to BOMA/NY that began 25 years ago and continue with the same level of dedication to this day. Throughout his service to BOMA/NY, he has challenged himself to make a difference to the industry and association. Among his many contributions are participation as a panelist for eight BOMA/NY energy seminars, serving as a member of the Energy & Sustainability Committee, advocating for Local Laws, providing input on green leases and Con Edison steam demand billing, and providing expert advice today on the Mayoral 80 X 50 initiative. As chair of the Pinnacle Awards Renovated Building Subcommittee, Mike continues to raise the standards of excellence for which the awards are known.

Manager of the Year: 3-10 Years of Experience – Rosemarie Krol, RPA
130 West 42nd Street, CBRE

Rosemarie Krol’s packed agenda as property manager of 130 West 42nd Street has won her kudos from tenants, her supervisors and ownership—and the Pinnacle award. She was cited for her ability to juggle renovations and local compliance—among other tasks—with a patient, hands-on and knowledgeable approach. She was also commended repeatedly for her ability to muster every resource available to make her team as effective as possible, a skill she has built upon throughout her career at buildings ranging from 236,000 to more than 2 million sf. The highest praise comes from one tenant who defined Rosemarie as "their #1 recommendation to any owner seeking a building manager." She is the seventh CBRE manager to win a Manager of the Year Pinnacle, setting another Pinnacle record.

Earth – 712 Fifth Avenue
Owner: 712 Avenue, L.P
Management Firm: Paramount Group, Inc.

Property Manager: Jim Sammon

Led by Property Manager Jim Sammon, 712 Fifth Avenue’s 2016 win was the first ever back-to-back win for any owner in this category. (Paramount won last year for 1325 Avenue of the Americas.) The 712 Fifth team, which had begun its work to achieve LEED Silver and Energy Star® years before, was cited for its diligence in achieving these sustainability landmarks using Paramount’s step-by-step approach, which has resulted in all of its NYC REIT properties achieving LEED or Energy Star®. The approach starts with a comprehensive audit and ends with implementing every achievable, feasible target, often through operations and practices. The team’s commitment to implementing sustainability programs large and small—and often unglamorous—was essential to the winning results achieved at this elegant boutique tower.

Renovated – 330 West 34th Street
Owner: Vornado Realty Trust
Management Firm: Vornado Office Management LLC
Real Estate Manager: Louis A. Conti, RPA

This repositioned and renovated pre-war building, which has rapidly become one of the beacons of the new West Side office market, achieved another Pinnacle first—an Energy Star® score of 96, the highest ever recorded in the competition in any category. Not only was the building’s energy conservation program stellar, but through its dedication to high performance and sustainability practices, the management team demonstrated an extraordinarily high level of skill and experience in renovating the property to its highest and best use. Applauded for "walking the walk" of sustainability by the judges, the management staff was also cited for professionalism and teamwork that set standards for the industry.

Manager of the Year: Over 10 Years of Experience – Stephen Mosca, CFM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York; New York Convention Center Operating Corporation

In a tough competition where all five nominees were superb examples of professional excellence, the 2016 Pinnacle in this always-competitive category went to Stephen Mosca, Director of Facilities Management at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. There, Stephen has taken his mission above and beyond to implement complex software and technology systems, develop staff talent, deploy transformational strategies and promote continuous improvement at all levels. Above all, Stephen sees his role at Javits as "integral to maintaining a hospitable, safe and memorable experience". His ability to bring refreshing new practices into the management mix, assume a strong fiduciary role and energize his fellow management team members earned him the 2016 Pinnacle, the first ever for a manager of a government property.

Operating Office Building 250,000 - 499,999 Sq. Ft – 101 Avenue of the Americas

Owner/Management: Edward J. Minskoff Equities, Inc.
Property Manager: James D. Kelly, RPA

Starting in 2012, owner/manager Edward J. Minskoff Equities (EJME) massively repositioned its early-90’s, Post Modern development at 101 Avenue of the Americas into the Pinnacle-award winning, Wired Platinum, LEED Silver tower it is today—a headquarters center for next generation industries in scientific R&D and information technology. It houses a world-class art collection that has made it an art oasis for its emerging marketplace; 101 AOA is the gateway to Tribeca, Soho and Hudson Square. Matching the building’s renowned design profile is the artfulness of 101’s highly personalized, hands-on management style, that ranges from hands-on preparedness training for tenants, to building community within its tenant base through networking events. This Pinnacle is the second win in as many years for an EJME building in a unique market.

Operating Office Building 500,000 - 1,000,000 Sq. Ft. – 900 Third Avenue

Owner: 900 Third Avenue, L.P.
Management Firm: Paramount Group, Inc.
Property Manager: Carla Rooney

Constant improvement and innovation are the everyday watchwords of Team 900 at this LEED Gold and Energy Star® certified, boutique Post Modern building. Support for tenant well-being is executed flawlessly through its communication programs, and both tenant and community outreach reflect a spirit of collective teamwork that extends beyond the building to the local BID and neighborhood groups. Imagination is applied to staff development and training; mentoring is on-going, and all team members take ownership of Paramount’s high-performance standards in sustainability, emergency preparedness, security and communications. The Pinnacle judges noted in particular how from the top on down, this impeccably managed team is empowered, enthusiastic and continually strives to improve individual team member contribution to the benefit of the entire 900 community.

Operating Office Building Over 1,000,000 Sq. Ft. – Starrett-Lehigh Building - 601 West 26th Street

Owner: RXR SL-Owner LLC
Management Firm: RXR Realty LLC
Property Manager: Mitchell Grant, RPA

With its 2016 Pinnacle win, the Starrett-Lehigh Building on the far West Side has added yet another transformational story to the New York skyline, one where its industrial past is now fully integrated into an office community catering to global brands in fashion, home goods, design and more. The RXR management style lives up to the building’s "Manufacturing Creativity" tagline, providing services and amenities custom-tailored to tenant needs—from its on-site fitness center and bus shuttles, to the pet- friendly environment and bike facilities. Through social media and communications, the team has forged the diverse community housed within its 2.3 million sf, into a neighborhood unto itself. Management attends to all details efficiently and effectively, and the sustainability practices at this Energy Star® building are progressive. Through its customized and imaginative approach, the RXR team is leading the way to defining the working atmospheres of 2020 and beyond.