Institute for the Study of the Ancient World |

Levien & Co. was retained by The Leon Levy Foundation to manage the project team that transformed this 108-year old townhouse near the Metropolitan Museum of Art into a 27,000 SF cultural and academic facility.  The project included restoration of the building's grand staircase, installation of new elevators, a 4-story glass and metal library with movable stacks, conference rooms, offices, and exhibition galleries. Levien’s challenge was to tap the contractor’s expertise within the building’s physical restrictions to achieve the architect’s vision - an exquisite museum setting supported by a working academic institution.  Another challenge was restoring the building facade to meet landmark, technical, safety, and aesthetic requirements. Levien’s experience with historic buildings was critical to its success.