Local Law 97 & Your Building's Common Areas
Navigating the maze of NYC’s property landscape can be daunting. Especially now, as the imminent Local Law 97 stands to reshape how condo and co-op buildings approach energy efficiency. If you serve on the board or manage a condo or co-op building, this law is particularly pertinent. Without timely action, compliance fines and penalties might cast a shadow on your building’s long term financial health.
While the looming legislation might seem overwhelming, it can be an opportunity to enhance your property’s intrinsic value. The key is to act proactively.
Local Law 97 Explained
Local Law 97 isn’t just another piece of legislation; it’s a testament to New York City’s commitment to combat climate change. Affecting buildings 25,000 square feet and larger, the law has set benchmarks for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions by 2024. By 2030, these benchmarks will tighten further. In essence, this legislation isn’t just about compliance; it’s about fostering a sustainable future for the city.
Why You Should Start Now
The implications are broad and profound, impacting approximately 50,000 buildings. As 2030 approaches, a rise in renovation costs and a shortage of quality contractors are expected. That’s why I believe that initiating your building’s updates now is a strategic move, and here’s why:
1. Shortages: As more buildings rush to comply, good contractors will become harder to hire and material costs are likely to surge. By starting now, you’ll have more resources and evade the disruption of a last-minute scramble.
2. Property Values: Prospective buyers will be aware of Local Law 97. They’ll consider buildings that are in compliance already a better choice because the prospect of future assessments or escalated common charges is less likely
3. Energy Savings: Energy-efficient lighting in your common areas will garner savings during the next few years. You can use the savings for other necessary updates for compliance such as updated boilers and windows.
Start Here
Start where impact is highest: your building’s common areas. Outdated lighting in these spaces contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions. Transitioning to LED fixtures with motion sensors will save money and help your building become compliant. Unfortunately, off-the-shelf fixtures are typically unattractive and cheaply made.
At Sygrove, we’ve always been at the forefront of incorporating energy efficiency in our lobby and hallway designs. Our custom fixtures, designed with LED technology and motion sensors, aren’t just energy savers—they seamlessly blend with and elevate the aesthetics of any space. With advanced technology, these fixtures adapt to the environment, transitioning from a gentle glow in unoccupied areas to a bright, vibrant light when needed. Additionally, they offer flexibility with adjustable color temperature settings.
Conclusion
If there’s been even a glimmer of interest in updating your common areas, it’s smart to start now to ensure your project will be completed in a timely way, your budget will go further, and the units in your building will become more valuable.
Sygrove is here to assist you every step of the way. If you want to discuss your building, send me an email or give me a call. The sooner the better! Together, we will create stunning common areas that exceed your expectations and help you comply with Local Law 97.
Sygrove Interior Design Services
Sygrove Associates Design Group is an NYC interior design company. Our company’s founder Marilyn Sygrove is the lead interior designer on all projects. And she’s as tough as you are when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and coming in on time and on budget.
It all starts with a design consultation with Marilyn. She takes the time to thoroughly understand your design needs then personally directs all interior design, planning, and installation activities. Her work has been delighting clients, co-op and condo boards, and homeowners for over 30 years. Her firm will help you achieve consensus with everyone involved from the Board, building management, and residents.
You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.
Share This Article
Door Hardware – Jewelry In Your Hallways
At Sygrove Associates Design Group, We take pride in being the first interior design firm to focus specifically on lobby and hallway renovation interior design, setting the standards for aesthetic appeal, functionality, and resident satisfaction in New York City and beyond.
Today, I want to share with you how seemingly minor changes in door hardware have significantly impacted the look and feel by showcasing three recent projects:
1. Respecting Aesthetics
Project Overview: Nestled in the Upper East Side, this pre-war building sought to modernize while honoring its architectural heritage. Initially, the doors were equipped with what we refer to as “legacy hardware,” a relic from a time when New Yorkers fortified their homes against the city’s tumultuous streets of the 70s with multiple locks and “jimmy plates.”
Design Solutions: Our approach aimed to respect the building’s history while introducing contemporary functionality and aesthetics. We opted to replace outdated security measures and door viewers with modern equivalents that blend seamlessly into the design, prioritizing both safety and style. The transformation was marked by sleek, updated hardware that maintained the building’s classic look, making each entryway inviting and secure.
Visual and Functional Improvement: The final result is doors celebrating the building’s era with a modern twist. The apartment door identification signs are now flush with the door, featuring updated viewer/chime mechanisms that are seamlessly integrated, offering an expansive 180-degree view without compromising the door’s elegance.
2. ADA Compliance with Style
Project Overview: Accessibility meets sophistication in this renovation project, which aimed to ensure ADA compliance without the institutional look often associated with such modifications.
Design Solutions: We entirely replaced the existing doors with wood-skinned versions that complied with ADA standards, focusing on both the physical construction and the aesthetic appeal. The highlight is the “twist” style hardware selection, playful yet elegant, implemented across all the hallways, including stairwells and apartment doors.
Visual and Functional Improvement: This door renovation proves that ADA-compliant design can be both fun and beautiful. The new wood doors imbued the space with warmth, while the unique hardware added a decorative touch reminiscent of jewelry, elevating the overall ambiance of the hallways.
3. Bringing Back Design Consistency
Project Overview: Our challenge in this 1962 building was to address the inconsistency created by a variety of resident-installed hardware, locks, and door viewers, detracting from the cohesive aesthetic of the hallways.
Design Solutions: After securing Board approval and properly communicating with residents, we embarked on replacing and standardizing the door hardware across the building. This included removing outdated “jimmy plates,” patching and repainting doors, and installing new lever hardware that was both modern and reflective of the residents’ preferences.
Visual and Functional Improvement: By harmonizing the hardware finishes and styles throughout the building, we significantly enhanced the visual appeal of the hallway spaces. The new designs not only comply with ADA considerations but also bring a fresh, unified look that respects individual preferences and elevates the building’s character.
Conclusion
These projects exemplify just a fraction of what thoughtful design can achieve, even through something as simple as door hardware. If you’re a member of a co-op or condo board, a building manager, or someone passionate about enhancing your building’s common areas, we’d love to hear from you.
Our team is ready to bring our expertise and vision to your next renovation project, ensuring spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply reflective of the residents who call these buildings home.
Sygrove Interior Design Services
Sygrove Associates Design Group is an NYC interior design company. Our company’s founder Marilyn Sygrove is the lead interior designer on all projects. And she’s as tough as you are when it comes to quality, aesthetics, and coming in on time and on budget.
It all starts with a design consultation with Marilyn. She takes the time to thoroughly understand your design needs then personally directs all interior design, planning, and installation activities. Her work has been delighting clients, co-op and condo boards, and homeowners for over 30 years. Her firm will help you achieve consensus with everyone involved from the Board, building management, and residents.
You can reach Marilyn by email at hello@sygrove.com or call her directly at 212.757.0631.